BY: CHARLES CHIJIOKE
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised the alarm over reports of an alleged organised operation to buy and collect Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from Nigerians in parts of Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party alleged that individuals working for the interest of the ruling party were offering money to vulnerable citizens in exchange for their PVCs, warning that the reported development could deprive targeted voters of the opportunity to participate in future elections.
Afrilensnews reports that the ADC disclosed the allegation in a statement issued on Thursday, September 17, 2026, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
The party said it had received multiple reports of the alleged operation and was taking steps to document the claims and obtain credible evidence on those behind it.
“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 urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to immediately investigate the reports, identify those allegedly financing or coordinating the operation and prosecute anyone found purchasing, collecting or unlawfully retaining voters’ cards.
The ADC also advised Nigerians who are approached by alleged PVC buyers to reject such offers, preserve any available evidence and report the matter to INEC, security agencies or the nearest ADC office.
“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,” Abdullahi said.
The party further stressed that a PVC represents more than an electoral document, describing it as a means through which citizens exercise their constitutional voting rights.
“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.”
The ADC called on civil society organisations, election observers, the media, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community associations to increase voter education and public awareness ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party warned that any coordinated effort to remove voters’ cards from citizens could have serious consequences for electoral participation, particularly if vulnerable communities are disproportionately targeted.
It urged Nigerians, especially voters across the North, to protect their PVCs and report any suspicious attempts to collect them.
“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 allegation comes at a time political parties and electoral stakeholders are intensifying preparations for the 2027 elections. Any verified coordinated attempt to collect voters’ cards could trigger investigations by electoral and security authorities and raise wider concerns about voter participation and the integrity of the electoral process.
