A fresh controversy has erupted online after videos and eyewitness reports allegedly showed Nigerian youths wearing campaign T-shirts customized with the logo and slogans of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu distributing money in public while collecting Permanent Voter Card (PVC) details from residents. ....…
The incident, which reportedly happened in broad daylight, has triggered widespread reactions from Nigerians who described the development as disturbing and dangerous to the country’s democratic process.
According to claims shared on social media, the youths moved around openly, handing out cash to individuals and recording their PVC information in exchange. The alleged act has since sparked debates about vote-buying, political inducement, and the growing misuse of poverty during political mobilization.
Many Nigerians expressed shock that such activities could allegedly happen publicly without intervention from security agencies or electoral authorities. Critics argued that collecting PVC details from citizens raises serious concerns about voter manipulation and electoral integrity ahead of future elections.
Some political observers warned that the normalization of cash-for-support tactics could weaken public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system. Others noted that economic hardship has made many citizens vulnerable to political exploitation, especially during campaign periods. ....…
The Independent National Electoral Commission, Independent National Electoral Commission, has repeatedly stated that vote-buying and voter inducement are criminal offences under Nigerian electoral laws. The commission has also urged political parties and supporters to avoid any activity capable of compromising free and fair elections.
Despite existing laws, allegations involving the exchange of money for political support continue to surface during elections across different parts of Nigeria.
The latest reports have now intensified calls for a proper investigation into the incident, with many Nigerians demanding accountability and stricter enforcement of electoral regulations.
