From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Benue State Chapter has raised alarm over what it described as a ‘dangerous’ , ‘criminal’ and ‘anti-democratic’ scheme currently being perpetrated by some unscrupulous individuals and agents moving in markets and village squares in communities, collecting people’s Permanent Voter Card PVC numbers and photographs of their PVCs, in the name of a so-called ‘Loan or Empowerment Loan Scheme’.
The party said the act is a scam, trap and voters fraud, positing that no genuine loan, bank or federal agency, non governmental organization, NGO or legitimate empowerment scheme requires anyone for PVC or a photocopy of PVC to give them loan.
The party said loans require BVN and NIN, not voter’s card which is meant only for voting not banking.
PDP in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary Bright Yima Antyo alluded that the criminal act is aimed at harvesting PVC details of voters to clone their voting identity, sell their vote ahead of 2027, use their PVC number to register fake political associations as well as
disenfranchise voters on election day
“Once they have your PVC number and picture, they can track your polling unit, block you, or use it to rig.
Your PVC Is your power, your future and voice .
The same PVC they are buying for loan promise today is what you will use to elect a Governor, Senator, House of Assembly member, who will give you roads, schools, hospitals and security worth billions tomorrow. Do not trade your four-year future for a fake loan that will never come”the party said.
PDP cautioned electorates not to give their PVC, photocopy of PVC, or picture of PVC to anybody for any loan, grant, palliative or empowerment or give their Voter Identification Number (VIN) to strangers.
It also, advised them not to avail anyone that comes to you, requesting for their ID card, their office address and their letter of authorization from the Federal Ministry or CBN, calling on them to report such persons immediately to their Traditional Ruler, Ward Councillor or the Police
“If you have already given your PVC details, go immediately to INEC office to verify and protect your record and report.
The PDP said it has already alerted the Independent Nationsl Electoral Commission INEC and will write officially to: the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), INEC Benue State, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State and the Director, DSS, Benue State to investigate, arrest and prosecute these PVC merchants, as provided under Sections 22 and 121 of the Electoral Act, 2026, which criminalizes buying, selling and unlawful possession of PVC.
“Benue people have suffered hunger and insecurity for the past three years. Your PVC is your only weapon to change your condition in 2027. Do not give it away for a loan that will never come”,the party advised prospective voters.
