The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for an investigation into reports of an alleged operation to purchase and collect Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from citizens in parts of Northern Nigeria.

In a press statement issued on September 17, 2026, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said it had received multiple reports of individuals allegedly paying money to vulnerable citizens in exchange for their PVCs.

The party said It is documenting the reports and gathering credible evidence on individuals said to be behind the alleged operation.

The ADC said a PVC collected from its rightful owner cannot ordinarily be used by another person because accreditation requires biometric verification, noting that if verified, such action could amount to preventing citizens from voting.

“This is not ordinary vote-buying. A PVC collected from its rightful owner cannot ordinarily be used by another person because accreditation requires biometric verification. The real objective may therefore be to prevent targeted citizens from voting altogether. This is organised voter suppression, and it represents a direct assault on the constitutional rights of Nigerians,” the party said.

The party called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and security agencies to investigate the reports, identify those financing and coordinating the alleged operation, and take appropriate action in line with the law against anyone found purchasing, collecting or unlawfully retaining voters’ cards.

It urged citizens approached by alleged PVC buyers to reject such offers, preserve any available evidence and report immediately to INEC, security agencies or the nearest ADC office.

“A PVC is not merely a piece of plastic. It is the citizen’s voice, power and protection against bad government. The money offered for it may last for one day, but the consequences of surrendering it will last for four years,” the statement said.

The ADC also called on civil society organisations, election observers, the media, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community associations to intensify sensitisation and help expose any attempt to disenfranchise voters ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party said the alleged purchase or collection of PVCs should not be treated as routine misconduct, arguing that any coordinated effort to remove voting cards from citizens could affect participation in the elections.

“To every Nigerian, particularly voters across the North, our message is simple: keep your PVC, protect your power and use it. Do not allow anyone to turn your present hardship into their electoral advantage. Your vote belongs to you, and no one has the right to take it away,” it added. (Nigerian Tribune)