“…reject ₦25,000 PVC payback; your vote is your power and should not be traded for short-term cash”
By Ime Silas
A United States-based health services expert and activist, Madam Mfon Umana, has issued a passionate appeal to young voters to protect their Permanent Voter’s Cards and resist attempts to trade them for money ahead of the upcoming elections.
In an open letter titled “An Appeal To The Youth Of Our Community,” Umana said she had heard reports that some members of the APC leadership have been contacting youths and offering ₦25,000 every month for three months in exchange for their PVCs.
“If this is true, please ask yourself: Is ₦25,000 worth surrendering your voice and your right to decide who governs you?” she asked.
Umana, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, warned that financial hardship should not be used to compromise democratic rights. She argued that the amount being promised cannot address the basic needs of young people and their families.
“My dear youths, please do not allow anyone to disrespect or take advantage of you because of temporary financial hardship,” she wrote. “What can ₦25,000 truly do for you today? It may not even be enough to prepare a decent pot of soup for a family, talk less of taking care of your needs for an entire month.”
The activist went further to question the track record of the ruling party in meeting youth needs over the last four years. She listed medical bills, school fees, transportation, rent, and business capital as areas where young people continue to struggle.
“Ask yourselves honestly: What has APC done for you in the past four years? Has ₦25,000 been enough to pay your medical bills? Your school fees? Your transportation? Your rent? Your business needs? Your family’s needs? What about your future and your general well-being?” she said.
Umana stressed that a PVC represents more than an identity card. According to her, it is the instrument through which young people determine the direction of governance in their communities.
“Your PVC is your voice. Your vote is your power. Once you surrender that card, you surrender your opportunity to make a choice at the ballot box,” she stated.
She urged youths not to accept inducements that could mortgage the future of the community. “Please, do not sell your future for a few months of promises. Do not allow anyone to buy your conscience or determine your future for you,” Umana appealed.
Looking ahead to election day, the activist called on young voters to make independent decisions based on issues rather than money. She encouraged them to support candidates who prioritize good governance, accountability, opportunity and development.
“You are the future of this community. Do not sell that future for ₦25,000,” she noted, adding: “Stand firm. Keep your PVC. Make your own decision. Your vote belongs to you.”
According to Mfon Umana, the appeal was motivated by concern that vote-buying and voter suppression tactics could disenfranchise first-time voters and other youths who make up a significant portion of the electorate.
As political parties intensify mobilization ahead of the polls, civil society groups across the country have also been warning against vote trading and the collection of PVCs, noting that such practices undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
