The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday commenced the distribution of permanent voter cards to electorate in Gombe State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that scores of voters turnout in the various polling units to collect their cards in Gombe metropolis.

At A.Y.U Gombe, Goni Ali and Dahiru Abubakar polling units in Jeka Da Fari ward, only few individuals had collected their cards as at 10 a.m.

Mohammed Saidu and Haruna Adamu, expressed happiness for collecting their permanent voter cards, saying they were sure of participating in the 2015 elections.

Also some people, who said they had lost their temporary cards, were told to fill the attestation forms and provide passport photographs before their cards would be given to them.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Prof. Istifanus Dafwan, who spoke with NAN, apologised for the commission’s inability to commence the exercise by 8 a.m. as announced.

Dafwan attributed the delay to logistic problems, saying some of the items came from Abuja around 2 a.m. and were distributed between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m.

The commissioner expressed satisfaction over the zeal shown by the people to collect their cards.

He called on women to collect their permanent voter cards, and expressed dissatisfaction with the turnout of women in the polling units he had visited.

The commissioner urged them to be proactive in the electoral process.

“The other concern we have is that of all the four polling units that I have been to, I have not seen one woman that is out and this is inside Gombe town.

“This is a concern to me I am only hoping that may be they want the initial crowd to reduce before they can come out.

“Otherwise, it is a matter of serious concern for us and we are urging that women should come out and collect their voter cards,’’ he said.