Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has come out to plead with Nigerians to go out, register and collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), and “firmly” hold it as it is our “bridge to a new Nigeria”.
The plea is coming from Obi following the outcome of the 2025 bye-elections which was conducted on Saturday 16 August, 2025 in sixteen (16) Constituencies across twelve (12) States in the country.
The bye-elections had the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) emerge victorious in twelve (12) constituencies; the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) win two (2), and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) win one (1) each.
Obi said, this call must be heeded by every Nigerian, both young and old, adding, Nigerians need to organise themselves and “Make Election Rigging Difficult”.
He described the PVC as the “voice of the voiceless and weapon of the poor for a better life”, and said, vote buyers “only invest in their own corruption”.
Obi posted on X: “PVC is the bridge to a New Nigeria
“Today, I want to plead with every Nigerian, young and old to heed this call to action.
“The future of our dear nation is in your hands. The greatest strength of democracy is in the voter’s card. Your PVC is the voice of the voiceless, the shield of the weak, and the weapon of the poor for a better life, against injustice and bad leadership. I appeal to every Nigerian: Get Organised and Make Election Rigging Difficult. Go out, register, collect your PVC, and hold it firmly as your bridge to a new Nigeria.
“Let us know this: those who buy votes are not offering you charity; they only invest in their own corruption. They buy votes so that they can buy their way into our treasury to steal public money. When they get into that office, they will loot the funds that should have been used to build schools, hospitals or provide good jobs. Such people are not leaders, they are criminals in disguise. They are no better than killers, armed robbers, and kidnappers, because they commit the same crime of destruction.”
Obi made it clear to vote sellers, they are not just selling an election, they are selling the opportunities that would have lifted them and their families from the shackles of poverty.
He warned, Nigeria’s democracy “is at stake”, saying, it is the reason why he is pleading that Nigerian get their PVCs and vote leaders with “character and competence”, who will prioritize their welfare.
Obi continued: “To those who sell their votes, you are not just selling an election, you are selling the very opportunities that would have lifted you and your family out of poverty. You are selling the schools that your children should have attended, the hospitals that should save your loved ones and the jobs that would have given you dignity and a better life. Those who buy your vote are only buying it to make a profit from the seat of power, not to serve you.
“The power to change this country is in your hands, the looters will only loot when we give them the opportunity. Your vote counts, if it doesn’t, they would not be desperately buying that vote.
“Every Nigerian must rise and take responsibility for building the nation we dream of.
“Our democracy is at stake. That is why I urge every eligible Nigerian to register, collect, and safeguard your PVC, and when the time comes, use it wisely. Vote for leaders of competence, character, capacity, and compassion. Leaders who will put you first. Do not be intimidated, do not be deceived, and do not be bought.
“Let us stand together and prove that Nigeria belongs to the people, not to those who trade our future for their selfish gain.
“Register to vote, because a new Nigeria starts with you.
“A New Nigeria is POssible.”
