Namadi Sambo, Vise President of Nigeria has today Thursday, the 12th day of March 2015 stated that while his party [PDP] was not against the use of card readers, which the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says will help curb vote fraud, it was concerned whether the decision is backed by law and about the possibility of many Nigerians being disenfranchised.
The PDP has strongly criticized the use of card reading machines for the polls...while the opposition APC, says they are fully in support of INEC'S idea to use the card readers in the polls.
The ruling party argues that the use of any machine is not allowed under Nigerian electoral laws, but INEC says the electronic readers will be used only for card verification, and not voting.
APC has defended INEC...saying they are in support of any effort to ensure credible polls---and they party has further accused PDP of plans to rig the elections, hence its decision to oppose machine readers.
VP Sambo’s remarks was the first time the presidency was commenting publicly on the card reader controversy.
While Speaking in Kano, VP Sambo said his party cannot be afraid of the card readers as it is certain of winning the presidential and governorship elections.
He said the party was only opposing the use of the machines because they may fail during the polss which may to the disenfranchisement of many Nigerians.
Sambo also stated that the use of the card reader in Nigeria is not legally supported
He said the party was only opposing the use of the machines because they may fail during the polss which may to the disenfranchisement of many Nigerians.
Sambo also stated that the use of the card reader in Nigeria is not legally supported
"If it is not there (in the law) then does it mean it is illegal? And can we depend on an illegal thing when we are talking of a free and fair election that will lead to having credible leaders?” he asked.
Mr. Sambo further urged Nigerians to take a careful look at the electoral law and see whether the use of card readers is recognized.
