ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION OF NIGERIANS TOWARDS THE REGISTRATION AND COLLECTION OF PERMANENT VOTERS CARD (PVC). A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED TRADERS IN ONITSHA MAIN MARKET

CHAPTER 1----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. 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. Rabiu oluwatosin (2018). 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 (PVC).A case study of selected traders in Onitsha main Market.

 

 

 

 

 

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 card which is the responsibility of the commission has been great affected by 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 voters card (PVC). A case study of selected traders in Onitsha main Market.

 

1.3     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 Onitsha main Market. The specific objectives of the study include;

  1. To determine the relevance of the registration and collection of permanent voters’ card (PVC).
  2. To appraise the attitude and perception of Nigerians towards the registration and collection of permanent voters’ card (PVC).
  3. To conduct a case study of selected traders’ attitude and perception towards the registration and collection of permanent voters’ card in Onitsha main Market.

1.4     RESEARCH QUESTIONS

  1. What is the relevance of the registration and collection of permanent voters’ card (PVC)?
  2. What is the attitude and perception of Nigerians towards the registration and collection of permanent voters’ card (PVC)?
  3. What is the attitude and perception of selected traders towards the registration and collection of permanent voters’ card in Onitsha main Market?

1.5      RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

Ho1: There is no significant relationship between the perception of the selected traders towards registration and the collection of permanent voter’s card.

 

1.6     SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study shall provide relevant information on the attitude and perception of Nigerians towards the registration and collection of permanent voters card (PVC). With a case study of selected traders in Onitsha main Market.

1.7      SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study focuses on the appraisal of the attitude and perception of Nigerians towards the registration and collection of permanent voters card (PVC). A case study of selected traders in Onitsha main Market.

1.8     LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study was confronted with both logistics and geographical constraints.

 

1.9       DEFINITION OF TERMS

    INEC DEFINED

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

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ELECTION DEFINED

A competition between different political parties for electives public office

 

POLITICAL PARTY DEFINED

This is a political organization which aims to seek and control political power in government.