The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has cautioned Nigerians against selling their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) or accepting inducements to compromise their votes ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that such actions could undermine the country’s democratic process.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, POMR alleged that there were growing attempts by political actors to exploit the prevailing economic hardship in the country by offering money and other inducements to citizens in exchange for their PVCs.

The organisation claimed that reports from some states suggested that certain political office holders were allegedly collecting PVCs from citizens, including civil servants, as a condition for the payment of salaries and allowances.

According to POMR, with exactly 100 days to the election, Nigerians must remain vigilant and resist every effort aimed at manipulating the electoral process through vote buying and voter suppression.

“The Peter Obi Media Office has become aware of the ruling party’s strategy of exploiting the poverty in the land—poverty they have created—by offering large sums of money to people in exchange for their PVCs,” the statement said.

It stressed that the PVC remains the most powerful tool available to citizens to determine the future direction of the country and should not be surrendered for any form of financial gratification.

POMR urged eligible voters to collect their PVCs, keep them safe and reject all forms of inducements intended to influence their electoral choices.

“Your PVC is not for sale. Your vote is not for sale. Your future is not for sale. Collect your PVC. Keep it secure. Do not hand it over to anyone. Reject bribes and report any suspected electoral manipulation to the proper authorities,” the group stated.

The organisation further encouraged Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process by turning out in large numbers on election day and voting according to their conscience.

It also called on voters to remain committed to ensuring that their votes count through lawful means, emphasizing the need to safeguard democratic institutions and uphold electoral integrity.

POMR maintained that the forthcoming election presents Nigerians with another opportunity to shape the country’s future and urged citizens not to allow economic hardship or political pressure to deprive them of their democratic rights.

The group concluded by calling on Nigerians to defend democracy by protecting their votes and resisting all attempts to undermine the credibility of the electoral process.