Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general election, emphasizing that it is a key tool for ensuring credible elections and preventing electoral fraud.
In a statement titled “PVC is the bridge to a New Nigeria”released on Monday, Obi described the PVC as “the voice of the voiceless, the shield of the weak, and the weapon of the poor for a better life, against injustice and bad leadership.”
“Today, I want to plead with every Nigerian, young and old to heed this call to action. The future of our dear nation is in your hands. The greatest strength of democracy is in the voter’s card,” he said.
Obi also warned Nigerians against selling their votes to politicians, stressing that vote-buying contributes to corruption and mismanagement of public resources.
“Let us know this: those who buy votes are not offering you charity; they only invest in their own corruption. They buy votes so that they can buy their way into our treasury to steal public money. When they get into that office, they will loot the funds that should have been used to build schools, hospitals or provide good jobs. Such people are not leaders, they are criminals in disguise. They are no better than killers, armed robbers, and kidnappers, because they commit the same crime of destruction,” Obi stated.
He further cautioned voters against mortgaging their future by selling votes, noting, “To those who sell their votes, you are not just selling an election, you are selling the very opportunities that would have lifted you and your family out of poverty. You are selling the schools that your children should have attended, the hospitals that should save your loved ones and the jobs that would have given you dignity and a better life.”
Obi called on Nigerians to safeguard their PVCs and use them responsibly. “Our democracy is at stake. That is why I urge every eligible Nigerian to register, collect, and safeguard your PVC, and when the time comes, use it wisely. Vote for leaders of competence, character, capacity, and compassion. Leaders who will put you first. Do not be intimidated, do not be deceived, and do not be bought,” he said.
He reminded Nigerians that power resides with the electorate, not politicians seeking personal gain. “Prove that power belongs to the people, not corrupt politicians, who trade our future for their selfish gain,” Obi added.
Obi’s call follows the by-elections held over the weekend in several states, reinforcing his appeal for Nigerians to actively participate in the democratic process by registering and obtaining their PVCs.
