Nigeria begins PVC distribution amid warnings of vote buying

As Nigeria begins the nationwide distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections, various political actors and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have issued warnings regarding electoral integrity.

INEC has officially commenced PVC collection, reporting a national voter register of over 103 million people. However, early distribution in cities like Abuja, Lagos, and Ibadan has seen low turnout. Meanwhile, the commission has warned political parties against vote buying, urging them to focus on policy rather than financial inducements.

Several political organizations have raised alarms over alleged malpractice. The Obidient/OK Movement and the Peter Obi Media Office have warned citizens against surrendering their PVCs to unauthorized individuals, alleging that some actors are using economic hardship to buy votes. In Ogun State, the PDP has accused the APC of planning to deploy thugs to disrupt collection centres and steal voter cards, a claim the APC has dismissed. Additionally, the Allied People’s Movement has alleged a plot to use unclaimed PVCs to influence election outcomes.

In Kaduna State, displaced residents from previous bandit attacks are seeking ways to reclaim their voting rights after losing their cards during communal violence.