The chairman of the [Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inter-Party_Advisory_Council) in Katsina State, Alhaji Salimu Lawal Boyi, cautioned eligible voters on Saturday against handing over their [Permanent Voter Card (PVC)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permanent_Voter_Card) for any form of payment before the 2027 general elections.
**What did the council leader say?**
He told reporters that some individuals were canvassing door‑to‑door, especially targeting women, and offering promises of empowerment or material assistance in exchange for the voters’ cards. Boyi urged the public to reject such offers, emphasizing that the PVC is a fundamental tool for citizens to participate in elections and hold leaders accountable.
**Why is this warning important?**
Boyi, who also serves as the state chairman of the [Accord Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accord_Party_(Nigeria)), said the council’s message is for people to collect their PVCs in large numbers and treat the card as the only “weapon” to protect themselves from poor governance.
**What could happen if voters sell their cards?**
He warned that swapping the PVC for dubious promises could strip citizens of their right to freely choose their representatives, undermining the democratic process.
The chairman concluded by urging residents to stay vigilant and refuse any arrangement that compromises their voting rights.