TD The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised the alarm over reports of an alleged organised operation to purchase and collect Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from citizens in parts of Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This was contained in a statement dated September 17, 2026, and signed by ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
The party said it had received multiple reports alleging that individuals were 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 concerning the alleged operation.
The party’s allegation has not been independently established, and the statement did not identify the locations, individuals or groups allegedly involved.
ADC warns against surrendering PVCs
According to the ADC, although collecting a voter’s PVC would not ordinarily allow another person to use the card to vote because of biometric voter authentication.
Nonetheless, the alleged collection could potentially be aimed at preventing targeted voters from participating in the election.
INEC has previously explained that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) uses biometric authentication, including fingerprint or facial recognition, to verify voters and prevent impersonation and multiple voting.
The commission has also stated that warehoused PVCs cannot simply be used by other people to vote.
INEC’s voter guidance further states that a PVC “must not be sold, given to another person or damaged.”
The ADC therefore called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to investigate the reported PVC-buying activities and take appropriate legal action if violations are established.
Party gives advice to citizens
The ADC urged Nigerians who are approached by alleged PVC buyers to:
- Refuse to surrender their PVCs;
- Preserve available evidence of any attempted purchase or collection; and
- Report such incidents to INEC or the relevant security agencies.
The party also called on civil society organisations, election observers, traditional and religious leaders, community associations and the media to intensify voter education and sensitisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
ADC: ‘A PVC is not merely a piece of plastic’
The ADC described the PVC as an important instrument of political participation and urged Nigerians to protect their cards ahead of the elections.
“A PVC is not merely a piece of plastic. It is your power to participate in choosing your leaders.”
The party concluded its warning with the message:
“Keep your PVC. Protect your vote. Do not allow anyone to take away your democratic power.”
INEC’s position on voter authentication
INEC’s published election procedures state that voters must appear in person at their designated polling units and undergo authentication before being allowed to vote.
The commission’s current materials identify BVAS as the biometric accreditation device used to authenticate voters.
INEC also provides official channels through which registered voters can review their information, transfer registration, replace lost or damaged PVCs and locate polling units.
The latest warning from the ADC comes amid preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The party urged electoral authorities and security agencies to establish whether the reported PVC collection activities are taking place.
It also urged them to identify those responsible in case of such.
At the time of publication, there was no publicly available confirmation from INEC or the security agencies establishing that an organised PVC-buying operation was underway in Northern Nigeria.
