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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue state on Tuesday warned residents against a suspected fraudulent loan scheme allegedly being used to collect Permanent Voter Card (PVC) details and photographs from unsuspecting members of the public.
The party, in a press statement issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, said some individuals were visiting markets and village squares under the guise of offering loans and empowerment schemes.
It described the practice as a potential voter fraud scheme, warning that the information could be misused to compromise voters’ identities, sell votes ahead of the 2027 general elections or disenfranchise eligible voters.
The PDP urged residents not to surrender their PVCs, photocopies, photographs or voter identification numbers to anyone in exchange for loans, grants, palliatives or empowerment benefits.
It advised anyone approached by the alleged operators to demand valid identification, an office address and an authorisation letter, while reporting suspicious activities to traditional rulers, ward councillors or the police.
The party also urged residents who had already submitted their PVC details to visit an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office to verify and protect their voter records.
Antyo said the party had alerted INEC and would formally petition the Benue State Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the matter and prosecute those found culpable.
The PDP stressed that the PVC was essential to voters’ participation in the 2027 elections, urging residents to protect their voting rights and avoid exchanging their electoral information for promises of financial assistance.
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