Rising political anxiety has gripped Katsina State following reports that politicians are secretly collecting Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from unsuspecting residents under the guise of enrolling them in financial empowerment packages ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The practice, which allegedly targets vulnerable voters and rural women, has drawn sharp warnings from electoral watchdogs and smaller political parties who fear a compromised voting process.

Speaking after a crucial meeting in Katsina, the State Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and Accord Party Chairman, Alhaji Salimu Lawal Boyi, urged the public to resist all forms of vote-buying and financial inducements.

“Some individuals are approaching unsuspecting residents, particularly women, with promises of empowerment benefits while collecting their voter cards. The PVC is your essential instrument for exercising your democratic rights—do not sell or surrender it,” he warned.

Boyi emphasized that IPAC would not endorse any specific candidate for 2027, instead encouraging residents to evaluate candidates solely on performance and credibility.

Buying, selling of voter cards criminal, expert warns

Weighing in on the development, Mr. Ahmad Ibraheem Karaf of the Democratic Sustainability Initiative Network warned that both buying and selling voter cards constitute severe offences under Nigeria’s Electoral Act.

Karaf reminded politicians attempting to hoard cards that technology has rendered the practice obsolete

According to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) mandates fingerprint and facial recognition.

He said holding another citizen’s physical card does not grant permission or ability to cast a vote on their behalf.

The INEC has also warned that BVAS will render stolen voter cards useless during the poll.

Some of the civil society groups urged INEC and political organizations to aggressively step up voter education to prevent citizens from falling prey to fake empowerment promises.

Despite statutory prohibitions, local political operatives admit that illegal card collection remains a common tactic as party leaders scramble for advantage.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Katsina-based politician conceded that desperation often drives candidates to skirt the rules as elections draw nearer.

“This is the period when the unthinkable usually happens because we politicians can go to any length to ensure our candidates win,” the politician admitted. “PVC collection is not new, although it is against INEC regulations. You cannot predict what politicians are capable of doing.”

With 2027 approaching, civil rights groups and electoral stakeholders insist that protecting citizens’ right to vote without pressure, intimidation, or fraudulent promises will be pivotal to preserving democracy in Katsina State. (Daily Trust)