By Adewumi Omoboade
ABUJA- AHEAD of next year’s elections, the media office of the Presidential candidate
of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi has urged Nigerians to remain remain vigilant against anyone offering money or inducements in exchange for their votes, advising the people not to sell their Permanent Voters Cards, PVC or participation in any scheme aimed at compromising the electoral process.
According to the Peter Obi Media Office, POMR, it said it has become aware of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC’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 POMR said to Nigerians that their PVC is not for sale, vote is not for sale, their future is not for sale, just as it urged them to collect their PVC, keep it secure and do not hand it over to anyone, pleading with the people to reject bribes and report any suspected electoral manipulation to the proper authorities, adding that on election day, they should turn out, vote according to their conscience, protect their ballot, and insist that their votes count.
A statement signed on Thursday by the Spokesman of POMR, Idris Zekeri on Thursday read, “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. 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.
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.