The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over reports of an alleged organised operation to purchase and collect Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from citizens in parts of Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said it had received multiple reports alleging that individuals purportedly acting in the interest of the ruling party were offering money to vulnerable citizens in exchange for their PVCs.

The party said it is taking steps to document the reports and gather credible evidence that could help identify the individuals allegedly involved in the operation.

ADC Calls for Investigation Into Alleged PVC Collection

According to the ADC, the reported collection of PVCs raises concerns beyond conventional vote-buying because another person generally cannot use a collected PVC to cast a ballot on behalf of its registered owner where biometric verification is required.

The party therefore argued that, if the reported activity is confirmed, its potential effect could be to prevent targeted citizens from participating in elections.

“This is not ordinary vote-buying. A PVC collected from its rightful owner cannot ordinarily be used by another person because accreditation requires biometric verification. The real objective may therefore be to prevent targeted citizens from voting altogether. This is organised voter suppression, and it represents a direct assault on the constitutional rights of Nigerians,” the ADC said.

The party called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant security agencies to investigate the reports, identify those allegedly financing or coordinating the operation, and prosecute anyone found to have purchased, collected or unlawfully retained voters’ cards.

ADC Urges Nigerians to Protect Their PVCs

The ADC has also urged citizens who are approached by individuals offering money for their PVCs to reject such offers and preserve any available evidence.

The party encouraged affected citizens to report suspected incidents to INEC, security agencies or the nearest ADC office.

Speaking on the reported vulnerability of citizens facing economic hardship, Abdullahi said:

“The same ruling party under whose watch millions of Nigerians have been pushed deeper into poverty must not be allowed to weaponise that poverty against them. Those who have failed to earn the people’s confidence must not be permitted to purchase their silence.”

He further described the PVC as an important instrument of citizens’ participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.

“A PVC is not merely a piece of plastic. It is the citizen’s voice, power and protection against bad government. The money offered for it may last for one day, but the consequences of surrendering it will last for four years.”

ADC Calls for Increased Voter Sensitisation

The ADC also called on civil society organisations, election observers, the media, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community associations to step up public awareness campaigns on the importance of retaining voters’ cards and participating in the electoral process.

The party urged stakeholders to help identify and expose any attempts to prevent eligible citizens from exercising their right to vote ahead of the 2027 elections.

The ADC further cautioned that any coordinated effort to remove voters’ cards from citizens should receive appropriate attention from electoral and security authorities, particularly if such activities are found to be intended to prevent eligible voters from participating in elections.

ADC: “Keep Your PVC, Protect Your Power”

The party concluded its appeal with a message urging Nigerians, particularly voters in Northern Nigeria, to retain their PVCs and safeguard their participation in the democratic process.

“To every Nigerian, particularly voters across the North, our message is simple: keep your PVC, protect your power and use it. Do not allow anyone to turn your present hardship into their electoral advantage. Your vote belongs to you, and no one has the right to take it away.”

The ADC said it would continue to document the reported incidents and pursue relevant evidence as it calls for greater vigilance and protection of citizens’ electoral rights ahead of the 2027 elections.