By The Metro 
The Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate for Akoko South-East/Akoko South-West Federal Constituency in Ondo State, Hon. Adeyeri Stephen, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to investigate reports of missing Permanent Voter Cards in Iwaro-Oka, Akoko South-West Local Government Area.
Adeyeri made the call in a statement issued in Akure, the state capital, on Tuesday, expressing concern over reports that some residents had been unable to obtain their voter cards.
The House of Representatives hopeful urged INEC to urgently look into the allegation to establish what happened to the cards and address the concerns of affected residents ahead of the forthcoming election.
He said the reports had generated concern among residents, who were eager to exercise their franchise in the poll.
“The commission should not take these reports lightly. Every eligible voter deserves the opportunity to obtain their voter card and participate in the electoral process without unnecessary difficulty,” Adeyeri said.
He urged INEC to conduct a thorough investigation to determine whether the cards were actually missing and identify the circumstances surrounding the complaints.
According to him, a prompt response by the electoral umpire would help prevent unnecessary suspicion and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
“The credibility of an election begins with ensuring that eligible voters are not denied the opportunity to exercise their constitutional rights. INEC should investigate this matter without delay and provide clarity to the affected residents,” he added.
Adeyeri stressed the need for the commission to address the concerns before the election, saying that transparency and timely intervention were essential to ensuring a credible poll.
However, the alleged disappearance of the voter cards had yet to be independently confirmed, and no response from INEC on the matter was contained in the statement.