Don’t Trade Your Future: Selling PVCs Threatens Democracy, Adeleke Warns Osun Voters
By Auwal Ahmad Umar
The Permanent Voter Card (PVC) is more than a document required on election day; it is the most powerful tool citizens possess to influence governance and hold political leaders accountable. By casting a vote, citizens decide who leads them and shape policies that affect their lives for years.
However, electoral experts have repeatedly warned that selling PVCs to politicians or their agents undermines democracy. Beyond denying individuals the opportunity to vote, the practice encourages vote manipulation, weakens electoral integrity and rewards politicians who rely on money instead of credible programmes and performance to win elections.
When voters exchange their PVCs for cash, they risk losing their voice in government and make it more difficult to demand accountability from elected officials. The short-term financial gain often comes at the cost of better governance, quality public services and transparent leadership.
Against this backdrop, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has urged residents not to sell their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Osogbo by his spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed, the governor alleged that opposition elements were engaged in a coordinated operation to buy voters’ cards and obtain the Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) attached to them in an attempt to disenfranchise voters.
Adeleke warned that the alleged scheme posed a serious threat to the credibility of the election and called on residents to safeguard their PVCs and reject monetary inducements.
According to him, reports from several local government areas indicated that some political agents were offering money to residents in exchange for their voter cards, particularly in communities believed to be strongholds of his party.
He described the alleged practice as illegal and contrary to the Electoral Act, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the claims and take appropriate action.
“I urge the electoral body not to look the other way.”I implore the electoral body to remain vigilant and not ignore these issues.” are being investigated.
“Any link between the extraction of PINs and manipulation of the voting process is a serious concern. We expect the electoral body to act,” the governor said.
Adeleke reiterated that the PVC remains every citizen’s gateway to exercising their democratic right to choose leaders and determine the future of the state.
He also called on security agencies and election officials to remain vigilant and ensure that any attempt to compromise the electoral process is prevented, urging voters to protect their PVCs and participate peacefully in the election.
