Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has appealed to all eligible voters to pick up their Permanent Voter Cards as the Independent National Electoral Commission commences the nationwide distribution of newly issued cards ahead of the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Sanwo-Olu made the appeal in a post on Instagram on Friday, urging residents who registered to vote, transferred their polling units or applied for replacement cards to prepare for collection.
“PVC collection begins today. Every eligible voter should take this important step to be ready to participate in the electoral process,” the governor said.
He added that voters needed their cards to exercise their democratic rights, stressing that “your vote matters and it starts with having your PVC ready.”
The governor’s appeal came as Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also urged Nigerians to collect their PVCs and participate in the 2027 elections.
Hamzat, in a message to voters on Friday, described the PVC as a means of making their voices heard in the democratic process and encouraged registered voters to take advantage of the collection exercise.
“Your PVC is your voice, and I encourage every registered voter to collect their card and be ready to participate in the democratic process,” he said.
The Lagos deputy governor said the exercise covers eligible voters who registered, transferred their polling units or applied for replacement cards.
He urged residents to take their civic responsibilities seriously, adding that participation in elections was important to the state’s future.
“Every vote matters. Let us take this responsibility seriously and continue to build a Lagos where every voice counts and every citizen has a stake in our future,” Hamzat said.
Earlier, Makinde had called on Nigerians to obtain their PVCs to enable them to participate in choosing their leaders in 2027.
The Oyo governor made the appeal in a video shared on his social media accounts, where he displayed his voter card and encouraged citizens to collect theirs.
In a statement accompanying the video, Makinde said INEC had confirmed that PVC collection would commence on October 9.
“INEC has confirmed that Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) collection commences on 9 October 2026. Please get your PVC so that you can participate in the 2027 election,” he said.
However, in the video, Makinde said INEC had set December 12 as the date for the commencement of PVC collection.
“This is your power. Irrespective of who you want to vote for, let’s go out, collect our PVC, and you will use it wisely,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Peter Obi Media Office (POMR) has cautioned Nigerians against surrendering their PVCs in exchange for money or other benefits ahead of the elections.
In a statement by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr., the media office urged voters to remain vigilant against attempts to exploit the country’s economic difficulties to undermine the electoral process.
“Exactly 100 days left to election day, we urge Nigerians to remain vigilant against anyone offering money or inducements in exchange for your vote, your PVC, or participation in any scheme aimed at compromising the electoral process,” he said.
Zekeri also alleged that reports from some states indicated that some governors were collecting the PVCs of citizens, including civil servants, in exchange for payment of their salaries and allowances.
“Reports from some states indicate that some state governors, who have nothing positive to show to persuade their citizens, including civil servants, are collecting their PVCs in exchange for the payment of their legitimate salaries and allowances,” he said.
He urged voters to keep their cards safe and report suspected attempts to manipulate the electoral process to the appropriate authorities.
“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,” Zekeri said.
He further encouraged Nigerians to vote according to their conscience and use lawful means to protect their ballots on election day.
“On election day, turn out, vote according to your conscience, protect your ballot, and insist that your vote counts.
“Hold your PVC firmly. Use it responsibly. Defend your vote legally. Defend your democracy and create a new Nigeria that will be possible and OK,” he added.
What You Should Know
As preparations ramp up for the 2027 general elections, political leaders are emphasizing the importance of securing Permanent Voter Cards so citizens can exercise their constitutional right to vote. However, concerns have also been raised by advocacy groups warning voters against political exploitation or trading their cards for financial inducements.
- Positive Impact: Collecting your PVC ensures you have the legal power to choose your preferred candidates and actively shape leadership at all levels of government.
- Potential Concerns: Voters are warned to remain vigilant against attempts by unscrupulous actors or politicians trying to buy votes or withhold legitimate salaries in exchange for voter cards.
