The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society groups have issued stern warnings to Anambra State voters against the illegal trading of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
INEC has extended the deadline for PVC collection to November 2, 2025, to ensure all eligible voters, including new registrants and those who transferred polling units, have the opportunity to secure their voter cards. The commission emphasized that PVC collection must be done in person, and no proxy collections will be allowed to avoid fraud and manipulation.
Public affairs organizations like the Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) have underscored the importance of collecting PVCs as the critical first step for citizens to exercise their democratic right to vote. They cautioned that engaging in PVC trading or vote-buying undermines the integrity of the electoral process and disenfranchises voters, especially vulnerable groups such as youths, women, and persons with disabilities.
INEC remains committed to conducting a free, fair, and credible poll in Anambra and has collaborated with security agencies to tighten surveillance and prevent electoral malpractices, including vote-buying and PVC trafficking.
Voters are urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious attempts to buy or sell PVCs. The ongoing PVC distribution has recorded a significant number of new registrants ahead of the poll, signaling increased citizen participation and enthusiasm for the election. Electoral stakeholders continue to call for collective responsibility to uphold democratic principles and ensure a peaceful voting process.