PVC Fraud Rocks Abia! Government Blows Whistle on Shocking Voter Card Scam

The Abia State Government has raised an alarm over an alleged fraudulent scheme reportedly spearheaded by certain politicians who are collecting Permanent Voter Card (PVC) details from unsuspecting residents under the pretense of offering ₦10,000 for enrollment into an “e-wallet” empowerment program.

The administration of Governor Alex Otti described the scheme as politically driven and deliberately crafted to deceive and manipulate rural residents across the state.

In a statement released Monday by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, the government accused unnamed political actors and their agents of using the scam to tamper with the credibility of PVCs, with the ultimate goal of undermining the 2027 general elections.

“The motive behind this fraudulent activity is to invalidate the PVCs and render their owners ineligible to participate in the 2027 elections,” Ekeoma stated.

He denounced the supposed empowerment program as a sham designed to extract sensitive voter data, warning citizens to remain vigilant and not fall prey to such deceit.

The government emphasized that all authentic empowerment initiatives under the Otti administration are executed transparently, with no strings attached, and are never contingent on political support or personal data submission.

“Governor Otti’s government has carried out several empowerment programs for youths and the elderly statewide, all done without politicization or dubious conditions,” the statement said.

Ekeoma cautioned that any attempts to manipulate the electoral process or disenfranchise voters would not be tolerated, promising tough repercussions for those involved.

“The government considers this criminal act highly irresponsible and warns that anyone, regardless of status, found culpable will face severe consequences,” he said.

The government further urged residents—particularly those in rural areas—to guard their PVC details and personal information, and avoid sharing them with individuals or groups claiming to offer empowerment benefits.

“Abians, especially those in remote communities, must avoid engaging with anyone seeking access to their voter information under any pretext, as doing so could put them at risk of disenfranchisement or harm,” the statement warned.

Although no specific individuals have been named, the warning comes amid increased political maneuvering across Nigeria in the buildup to the 2027 elections.