The Peter Obi media office has warned Nigerians against selling or surrendering their permanent voter cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Idris Zekeri Jnr, its spokesperson, the office alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is exploiting poverty by offering money to Nigerians in exchange for their PVCs.
With 100 days to the election, the office urged Nigerians to reject money or other inducements offered in exchange for their votes, PVCs or participation in schemes it said could compromise the electoral process.
It also alleged that reports from some states indicated that some governors were collecting the PVCs of citizens, including civil servants, in exchange for payment of their salaries and allowances.
The office did not identify the states or governors involved.
“Your PVC is not for sale. Your vote is not for sale. Your future is not for sale,” the statement reads.
It urged Nigerians to collect and keep their PVCs securely, reject electoral inducements and report suspected electoral manipulation to the appropriate authorities.
The office also called on voters to turn out on election day, vote according to their conscience, protect their ballots and insist that their votes count.
“Hold your PVC firmly. Use it responsibly. Defend your vote legally. Defend your democracy and create a new Nigeria that will be possible and OK,” it said.
