The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has called on the European Union Election Observation Mission to ensure that over three million eligible Nigerian students are allowed to vote for their preferred candidate in the election slated for February 25.
This is even as the former Anambra State governor expressed reservations over the inability of many Nigerians, particularly in Lagos State, to obtain their Permanent Voter Card.
Speaking Monday evening during a meeting with the EU-EOM observers, Obi said, “I am sure the Independent National Electoral Commission will do the right thing.”
He was responding to a question about the fate of about 3.5 million students who are likely not to vote if a week’s holiday is not granted to enable voting.
He added, “I am sure the universities will give them the break to go and vote. It is important because it is about their future. This election is about these young people, and I am sure they will allow them to go and vote. We will continue to mention it to them as we go along.”
On the difficulty of collecting PVCs, Obi noted, “I must give INEC credit for extending the date for the collection of PVCs, but again, I urge them to ensure that people collect their PVCs. This election is very important to Nigerians. It is an existential election. We want all those that have registered to participate.”
Earlier, the EU-EOM Chief Observer, Barry Andrews, told Obi and other party leaders that their visit was a routine one to share thoughts with presidential candidates ahead of the polls.
