PVC Is Nigeria’s Strongest Weapon for Democracy, Says Obi
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to prioritise voter registration and collection of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that the survival and strength of democracy depend on the active participation of citizens in the electoral process.
Obi made the call while addressing the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, describing the PVC as the most potent tool available to Nigerians in shaping the nation’s political direction.
According to him, the card represents more than just eligibility to vote; it is a symbol of empowerment and a safeguard against bad leadership.
“The voter’s card is not just a document, it is the voice of the ordinary Nigerian, the protection of the weak, and the weapon of the poor against injustice,” Obi stated. He emphasised that democracy can only thrive when people are fully involved, noting that no meaningful change can occur if citizens remain passive or fail to exercise their right to vote.
The former governor of Anambra State also warned against the widespread problem of vote-buying, describing it as one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s democratic system. He argued that those who sell their votes compromise their future and hand power to leaders without accountability.
“When you exchange your vote for money, you are mortgaging your tomorrow. Those who buy votes are not acting in your interest; they are only investing in their own corruption,” he said.
Obi appealed to Nigerians to resist inducements during elections and instead vote for leaders with competence, character, capacity, and compassion.
He noted that the power to improve education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job opportunities lies in the choices voters make at the ballot box, and those choices are only possible with the PVC.
Highlighting the significance of the CVR, he described the ongoing exercise as an opportunity for Nigerians to take ownership of the country’s future.
“Democracy is about the people, and the power truly rests with the people. That power is expressed through the ballot, and the ballot can only be accessed through the voter’s card,” he added.
His remarks come as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues to expand registration centres nationwide in preparation for the 2027 general elections. Civil society organisations have also been urging eligible Nigerians, particularly young people, to take part in the exercise as a means of strengthening the country’s democracy.
