2O23 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general election, describing it as the most powerful tool against bad governance and election rigging.
In a statement titled “PVC is the Bridge to a New Nigeria”, Obi called on citizens not to sell their votes, warning that corrupt politicians use vote-buying as an “investment in corruption.”
“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 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.” He urged Nigerians to get organised, register, and hold firmly to their PVCs to make election rigging more difficult.
He also warned against the consequences of vote-selling:
“Those who buy votes are not offering you charity; they only invest in their own corruption. They buy votes so they can buy their way into our treasury to steal public money. When they get into office, they loot the funds that should have built schools, hospitals, or provided good jobs. Such people are not leaders — they are criminals in disguise.”
According to Obi, selling votes is equivalent to mortgaging the nation’s future:
“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 your children should attend, the hospitals that should save your loved ones, and the jobs that would have given you dignity and a better life.”
He stressed that rescuing Nigeria lies in the hands of its citizens through the ballot:
“Our democracy is at stake. That is why I urge every eligible Nigerian to register, collect, and safeguard your PVC. When the time comes, use it wisely. Vote for leaders of competence, character, capacity, and compassion. Do not be intimidated, do not be deceived, and do not be bought.”
Obi concluded by reminding Nigerians that true power rests with the people, not with corrupt politicians “who trade our future for their selfish gain.”
