PVC is weapon against vote rigging, bad leadership, Obi tells Nigerians

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to take the forthcoming 2027 elections seriously by registering and collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing it as the only reliable tool for shaping the nation’s future.

In a statement released on Monday and titled “PVC is the bridge to a New Nigeria”, Obi said the voter’s card represents “the voice of the voiceless, the shield of the weak, and the weapon of the poor,” stressing that without it, citizens cannot effectively challenge injustice or reject corrupt leadership.

“The future of our dear nation is in your hands. The greatest strength of democracy is in the voter’s card,” Obi said, appealing to Nigerians to “get organised and make election rigging difficult.”

The former Anambra governor warned strongly against vote trading, arguing that politicians who pay for votes are simply “investing in corruption” to enable them to loot public funds once in office.
“Such people are not leaders, they are criminals in disguise—no better than armed robbers or kidnappers because they commit the same crime of destruction,” he declared.

He further cautioned voters against mortgaging their future for temporary gains, insisting that selling votes undermines opportunities for education, healthcare, and job creation.
“When you sell your vote, you are selling the schools your children should attend, the hospitals that should save lives, and the jobs that should bring dignity and better living conditions,” he said.

Obi maintained that Nigeria’s democracy can only survive if citizens take responsibility through active participation in the electoral process.
“Our democracy is at stake. That is why I urge every eligible Nigerian to register, collect, and safeguard your PVC, and when the time comes, use it wisely. Vote for leaders with competence, character, capacity, and compassion,” he urged.

He concluded by reminding Nigerians that power ultimately belongs to the people, not politicians “who trade away our collective future for selfish gain.”