The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said identity theft may deprive many Nigerians from voting in 2023 general election.

INEC warned anyone buying the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the polls to desist.

The commission said such people are only wasting their time, energy and resources.

Speaking in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, during a training programme for journalists organised by the state Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in collaboration with the commission, INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Festus Okoye, noted that technology has helped the electoral umpire to curb vote-buying.

He said the commission now deals with the fingerprints and faces of voters, which make it difficult for impersonation.

“If your finger did not match, then your face must match. If your fingerprint did not match and your face did not match, then you cannot vote. That means you are not the owner of the PVC. That is identity theft,” Okoye said.

The national commissioner, who was represented by the Deputy Director in charge of the Gender Department, Ndidi Okafor, said anyone buying PVCs is embarking on an exercise in futility.

Okoye also said journalists play critical roles in deepening democracy, hence the need for the training at a time Nigeria is approaching another general election.

“It’s because the media is a stakeholder, a critical stakeholder for that matter. So, I want to appeal to you the media, you are a stakeholder.

“Let me say it again: the only reason some people will not vote during the elections is identity theft. So, we enjoin you to be part of this education to sensitise the public. We need you to ensure accurate reportage,” he said. (The Nation)