![INEC Officials in Anambra Accused of Demanding ₦2,000 From Residents Before Releasing PVCs [VIDEO]](https://gists9ja.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1005955147.jpg)
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State have been accused of demanding money from applicants before releasing their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
The allegation emerged in a video circulating on social media, in which a resident claimed that some officials at the INEC office requested ₦2,000 from applicants before processing and issuing their voter cards.
According to the resident, the situation escalated after one of the applicants challenged the alleged demand, insisting that PVCs are issued free of charge and should not require any form of payment.
The applicant reportedly confronted the officials and attempted to record the interaction, leading to a heated argument at the office.
The video has since generated widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the allegations and calling for an investigation into the claims.
Although raised voices can be heard in the footage, the full circumstances surrounding the incident have not been independently verified.
INEC has consistently maintained that all voter registration services are provided free of charge. These include voter registration, collection of Permanent Voter Cards, transfer of voter information, correction of personal details, and replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.
Under Nigeria’s electoral guidelines, applicants are not required to pay any fee to obtain or replace their voter cards.
The commission has repeatedly urged members of the public to report any form of extortion or illegal charges by its permanent or ad hoc staff involved in voter registration and PVC distribution.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not issued an official statement specifically addressing the allegations involving its Onitsha South Local Government office.
Meanwhile, the electoral commission recently extended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise nationwide following appeals from stakeholders and members of the public.
The extension is intended to enable more eligible Nigerians to register to vote and update their voter information ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC has also introduced an online self-service platform that allows prospective voters and existing registrants to complete several registration-related processes more conveniently.
The platform enables eligible Nigerians to carry out fresh voter registration, request transfers of polling units, correct personal information, and apply for the replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards.
