Nigerian Party Accuses Rivals of Buying Voter Cards
The African Democratic Congress has raised concerns about alleged organized efforts to purchase Permanent Voter Cards in Northern Nigeria, framing the issue as a form of voter suppression rather than standard electoral misconduct.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a formal warning regarding alleged coordinated attempts to purchase Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from residents in parts of Northern Nigeria. According to a statement released on Thursday and signed by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the party has received multiple reports of individuals offering cash to citizens in exchange for their voter identification documents. The ADC characterizes these actions not as simple vote-buying, but as a systematic effort to disenfranchise specific groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party argues that because Nigerian electoral law mandates biometric verification for accreditation, a stolen or purchased card cannot effectively be used by someone other than the registered owner. Consequently, the ADC suggests the primary goal of such operations is to prevent targeted voters from casting ballots altogether. The organization has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to investigate these claims and prosecute those involved in the unlawful retention or sale of voter cards, which is a criminal offense under the Electoral Act.
Legal Frameworks Prohibit Card Transfer
Under current Nigerian electoral regulations, voter cards are strictly non-transferable. INEC guidelines explicitly state that PVCs must not be sold or given to others. The Electoral Act reinforces this by prescribing penalties for anyone who buys, sells, or unlawfully possesses another person’s card. Conviction for such offenses can result in a fine of up to 500,000 naira, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. INEC has previously labeled the practice of buying cards to disenfranchise voters a
Economic Hardship Cited as Driver
Abdullahi linked the alleged schemes to widespread economic hardship, arguing that vulnerable populations are being targeted due to their financial circumstances. The ADC stated that the ruling party, under whose tenure millions have reportedly faced deepening poverty, must not be allowed to exploit these conditions for electoral gain. The party urged citizens to refuse such offers, preserve any evidence of the approach, and report incidents immediately to INEC, security forces, or local ADC offices.
Call for Broader Civic Vigilance
The ADC is urging civil society organizations, journalists, and community leaders to increase voter sensitization and monitor for such activities. The party emphasized that these allegations should not be dismissed as minor misconduct if evidence shows they are part of a coordinated strategy to suppress specific voter groups. While the ADC is documenting these reports to gather evidence, the allegations have not been independently verified by the media outlet reporting on the matter, Sahara Reporters.
