Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

The nationwide CVR, which commenced on Monday, includes online pre-registration ahead of upcoming off-cycle elections in Anambra, Osun, and Ekiti States, as well as preparations for the 2027 general elections.

In a statement shared on his social media handle titled “PVC is the Bridge to a New Nigeria,” Obi reminded citizens that the future of the country lies in their hands and emphasised that the voter’s card remains the strongest weapon against bad governance.

 “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,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor condemned vote-buying, describing it as an investment in corruption rather than charity. According to him, politicians who buy votes only do so to enrich themselves once in office.

> “Those who buy votes are no better than killers, armed robbers, and kidnappers because they destroy lives and opportunities. To sell your vote is to sell your children’s schools, hospitals, and jobs. The looters will only loot when we give them the opportunity,” he warned.

Obi further stressed that Nigerians must take responsibility for nation-building by safeguarding their PVCs and voting wisely when the time comes.

 “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 with competence, character, capacity, and compassion. Do not be intimidated, deceived, or bought,” he said.

He concluded by calling on citizens to unite and prove that Nigeria belongs to the people, not to corrupt politicians who mortgage the country’s future.

“Register to vote, because a new Nigeria starts with you,” Obi added.