The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over an alleged organised attempt to purchase and collect Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from citizens in parts of northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said it had received multiple reports of individuals allegedly offering money to vulnerable citizens in exchange for their PVCs.
The ADC said it was taking steps to document the reports and gather credible evidence that could help identify those allegedly behind the operation.
According to the party, the alleged collection of PVCs may go beyond conventional vote-buying, as biometric verification is required during voter accreditation.
The ADC argued that the alleged objective could therefore be to prevent targeted voters from participating in the election, describing the reported activity as an alleged form of voter suppression.
The party called on 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 to have unlawfully purchased, collected or retained voters’ cards.
It also urged Nigerians who are approached by individuals seeking to collect their PVCs to reject such offers, preserve available evidence and report the incidents to INEC, security agencies or the nearest ADC office.
The ADC further called on civil society organisations, election observers, the media, traditional and religious leaders, as well as community associations, to intensify voter education and help expose any attempt to disenfranchise citizens ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party urged Nigerians, particularly voters in northern communities, to safeguard their PVCs and exercise their right to vote, stressing that no individual or group should be allowed to interfere with citizens’ participation in the electoral process.
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