By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has raised concerns over an alleged scheme involving the collection of Permanent Voter Card (PVC) details and photographs from residents under the pretext of providing loans and empowerment opportunities.
The party described the alleged activity as dangerous and anti-democratic, warning that unsuspecting residents could be exposed to electoral fraud and other forms of identity misuse ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, the PDP alleged that some individuals were moving around markets and village squares in communities across the state, collecting PVC numbers and photographs from residents while promising them access to loans or empowerment benefits.
The party urged residents to treat such offers with caution, insisting that voter cards are meant for electoral identification and should not be surrendered to individuals claiming to facilitate loans, grants or other financial benefits.
According to the PDP, residents should be wary of anyone requesting their PVC details or Voter Identification Number (VIN) in exchange for financial assistance.
The party warned that the information collected could potentially be misused for electoral manipulation, unauthorised political activities or attempts to interfere with voters’ participation in future elections.
It also cautioned residents against exchanging their voter information for promises of financial assistance that might never materialise.
“Your PVC is your power, your future and your voice,” the statement said, urging eligible voters to protect their voter information and exercise their franchise in the 2027 elections.
The PDP further advised residents not to provide their PVCs, photocopies or photographs of the cards to strangers claiming to represent government agencies, banks, non-governmental organisations or empowerment programmes without proper verification.
It urged anyone approached by individuals making such requests to demand verifiable identification, official office addresses and letters of authorisation from the relevant institutions.
The party also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities to their traditional rulers, ward councillors or the police.
For those who may have already shared their PVC details, the PDP advised them to contact the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to verify their voter records and report any suspected misuse.
The party said it had alerted INEC and would formally petition the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State, the state Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the allegations.
It called for the investigation, arrest and prosecution of anyone found to have violated applicable electoral laws.
The PDP urged residents to remain vigilant and resist attempts to compromise their voting rights, stressing that protecting voter information was essential to safeguarding the integrity of future elections.
It also cited the economic hardship and insecurity experienced by residents in recent years, urging them not to risk their electoral rights in exchange for unverified promises of financial assistance.
The allegations have yet to be independently verified, and the statement did not identify the individuals or groups allegedly involved in the collection of PVC details.
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