By Abubakar Yunus
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has raised alarm over the mopping up of Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) from prospective electorates by politicians in Northern Nigeria.
NEF, who described this action as a way of disenfranchising large numbers of citizens, said each PVC is sold for less than N2000.
In a statement signed by the Director, Publicity and Advocacy of NEF, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, it said this action is voter suppression attempt to reduce the voting powers of the North.
“Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed what the public has been aware of in the last few weeks. This is the widespread and targeted buying of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) in many parts of the North and a few other parts of Nigeria.
“Northern Elders Forum (NEF) had followed this worrying phenomenon, advising community leaders and major stakeholders on the dangers of disenfranchising large numbers of citizens. We have also undertaken our own investigations, which prompt this public warning.
“Thousands, or possibly even millions of Northern voters, particularly women, are being made to surrender their PVCs for a pittance, in most instances not more than N2000.
“In some instances, they are told their cards will be returned to them after they are processed for additional payments as poverty relief. No cards are returned.
“Our investigations suggest that this an aggressive and blatant voter suppression attempt to reduce the voting powers of the North,” the statement said.
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