Peter Obi has appealed to Nigerians to register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards in order to prevent looters and corrupt leaders from leading the country.

In a statement on Monday urging action, Mr Obi described the PVC as a tool to fight injustice and poor leadership in the country.

“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,” said the former Anambra governor.

Mr Obi decried politicians who induce would-be voters with money and other items.

“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.

“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 former Anambra governor stated.

Mr Obi pointed out that Nigeria’s democracy “is at stake” and urged every eligible Nigerian to register, collect, and safeguard their 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,” the former presidential candidate stated.

Mr Obi’s statement came hours after INEC declared the results of the by-elections conducted across 16 federal and state constituencies in 12 states. The process, especially in states such as Ogun, Kano, and Kaduna, was marred by electoral malpractice, drawing widespread criticism from Nigerians.