CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The electoral body charged with the obligation of organizing and conducting
elections in Nigeria is INEC. The body is also responsible for the registration of
voters, political parties and the maintenance of the voters register ( Okoboh, 2007)
. Consequently, the registration and issuance of voter’s permanent card is the
responsibility of the commission. This is stipulated under Section 15 Part 1 of the
Third Schedule of 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2010;
section2 (as amended). The registration process makes it mandatory for the
prospective voter, to obtain a Temporary Voter Card and a subsequent Permanent
Voter Card; (PVC). However, the current exercise of the commission reveals that
many eligible voters have not tendered themselves for registration and those who
have registered are reluctant to collect their permanent voters’ cards. Some of the
challenges affecting the poor registration and collection of voters card are
attributed to the lack of sufficient registration officers; poor registration facilities
and equipment); poor communication network and lack of a conducive registration
centers. Further investigation shows that many registered voter have changed their
location thereby posing a problem for them to collect their permanent voters’
cards. The exercise can be improved upon if the challenges confronting the
commission are addressed. These include the provision of adequate manpower,
conducive registration centers, sufficient facilities for the registration of intended
voters and good communication system. It is also essential that an effective
monitoring and evaluative system be put in place to enhance credible assessment
of the process. The commission should also carry out a sensitization workshop to
educate the general public on the importance and benefit of the registration and
collection of voters’ cards. Awopeju, Ayo (2011). According to the Independent
National Electoral Commission INEC, the attitude expressed by Nigerians in the
collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) was not encouraging and was not in
the best interest of the country. The study seeks to proffer an appraisal of the
Attitude and perception of Nigerians towards the registration and collection of
permanent voter’s card (PVCs).
Accordingly, this work is divided into five sections. The first section
introduced the thrust of the analysis, the second section explicated the relevant
terms
to the analysis of the discourse, the third section established the relevance of an
appropriate theory to the discourse, the fourth section provided an empirical
background to the crises of 2015 general elections, explored the irregularities that
fraught the distribution and issuance of PVCs and presented detailed tables and
graphical analysis of the registered voters, PVCs collected and PVCs not collected
from the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory and, the fifth section concluded
and made appropriate recommendations.
1.2. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the attitude
expressed by Nigerians towards the registration and collection of Permanent
Voters Cards (PVCs) was not encouraging and not in the best interest of the
country. The electoral body charged with the obligation of organizing and
conducting elections in Nigeria is responsible for the registration of voters,
political parties, and the maintenance of the voters register. Consequently, the
registration and issuance of voters’ permanent cards, which are the responsibility
of the commission, have been greatly affected by the poor turnout of people for the
exercise. The problem confronting the study is to appraise the attitude and
perception of Nigerians towards the registration and collection of permanent voter
cards (PVC). A case study of selected traders in Enugu's main Market and its
metropolis
When it comes to registering for and picking up their Permanent Voters Cards
(PVCs), Nigerians have demonstrated a negative and obstructive attitude,
according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Due to the
small number of individuals actively engaged in these activities, INEC, the body in
charge of overseeing elections, including voter registration, political party
registration, and the maintenance of the voters' database, has experienced
significant challenges in carrying out the registration and distribution of PVCs.
The main focus of this study is to evaluate the attitude and perception of Nigerians
regarding the registration and collection of permanent voters' cards (PVCs). This
problem highlights the need to examine the reasons behind the poor turnout of
citizens for this crucial exercise.
The registration and collection of PVCs are vital for ensuring the democratic
process in Nigeria. The PVC serves as a form of identification and proof of
eligibility to vote in elections. It allows individuals to exercise their democratic
rights by participating in the electoral process and selecting representatives who
will govern the country. Therefore, the low turnout and lack of enthusiasm
displayed by Nigerians towards this process pose significant concerns for the
integrity and effectiveness of the electoral system.
Several factors may contribute to the poor attitude and perception of Nigerians
towards the registration and collection of PVCs. Some potential reasons could
include a lack of awareness about the importance of voter registration, limited
access to registration centers, logistical challenges in the registration process, or
disillusionment with the political system. Additionally, factors such as apathy,
political disengagement, or mistrust in the electoral process may also play a role.
To address this problem, INEC needs to take proactive measures to improve
citizens' attitudes and perceptions towards the registration and collection of PVCs.
This could involve launching awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians about the
significance of voter registration and the impact of their participation in the
democratic process. It is crucial to emphasize the importance of the PVC as a
means to ensure fair and credible elections.
Furthermore, INEC should strive to enhance accessibility to registration centers by
establishing more centers, especially in remote areas, and extending the
registration period. By making the process more convenient and accessible, more
Nigerians would be encouraged to register and collect their PVCs.
Additionally, efforts should be made to address any logistical challenges
encountered during the registration process. This may involve streamlining
procedures, increasing the efficiency of registration centers, and ensuring the
availability of necessary resources.
To regain public trust and confidence in the electoral process, INEC should also
work towards improving transparency, credibility, and accountability. By
addressing concerns related to the conduct of elections and the management of the
electoral system, Nigerians may feel more motivated to actively participate in the
registration and collection of PVCs.
In a synopsis, the low turnout and negative attitude of Nigerians towards the
registration and collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) present a significant
challenge for INEC. It is essential for the electoral body to address this issue by
conducting awareness campaigns, improving accessibility to registration centers,
addressing logistical challenges, and enhancing transparency and credibility in the
electoral process. By doing so, INEC can foster a positive perception and
encourage more Nigerians to actively participate in the democratic process through
the registration and collection of PVCs.
1.3. RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Nigerians Attitudes and perceptions about the permanent voter card (PVC)
collection and registration process in Nigeria?
To analyze the attitudes and perceptions of chosen traders towards the
registration and collection of permanent voters' cards within Enugu
Main Market and its metropolitan area.
1.4. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The main objective of the study is to appraise the attitude and perception of
Nigerians towards the registration and collection of permanent voters’ card (PVC).
A case study of selected traders in Enugu main Market and it metropolis. The
specific objectives of the study include;
1.4.1. To determine the relevance of the registration and collection of permanent
voters’ card (PVC).
1.4.2. To appraise the attitude and perception of Nigerians towards the registration
and collection of permanent voters’ card (PVC).
1.4.3. To conduct a case study of selected traders’ attitude and perception towards
the registration and collection of permanent voters’ card in Enugu main
Market and it metropolis.
1.5. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study shall provide relevant information on the attitude and perception of
Nigerians towards the registration and collection of permanent voter cards (PVC).
With a case study of selected traders in Enugu's main Market and its metropolis.
The research endeavor will aim to furnish significant and applicable data
concerning the prevailing attitudes and perspectives held by Nigerian individuals
in relation to the procedures associated with both registering for and acquiring
permanent voter cards (PVCs). Its purpose is to gather and present pertinent data
that sheds light on the prevailing attitudes and perceptions exhibited by Nigerian
citizens with regard to the intricate processes associated with the registration and
subsequent collection of permanent voter cards (PVCs). To achieve this goal, a
focused case study will be undertaken, specifically examining a carefully chosen
cohort of traders who operate within the bustling environment of Enugu's central
market, situated within the broader urban expanse of the metropolis. This research
endeavor seeks to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of how
these individuals perceive and engage with the vital civic responsibility of
obtaining and utilizing PVCs, thereby contributing valuable insights into the larger
democratic landscape of the country.
References
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