There are indications that voters' cards are been traded in the market for sums of money between the electorates and politicians ahead of the Anambra gubernatorial election.
File Photo
Ahead of the November 18 governorship election in Anambra State, voter cards have become a precious commodity in the state.
Investigations by a Punch correspondent showed that politicians were buying the cards for N5,000 each, depending on location.
In rural communities, the cards were sold for N5, 000 each while in urban areas owners of PVCs could make between N7,000 and N10,000 per card.
Corroborating the investigation, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Progressive Alliance in the November poll, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo, called on security agencies to arrest and prosecute such politicians according to extant laws.
He reminded eligible voters in the state not to mortgage their conscience and future by selling their voter cards. He said buying and selling of voter cards were a major challenge facing the poll, noting that the acts were being perpetuated by vicious politicians.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to step up political enlightenment to educate voters on the negative impact of selling their PVCs.
Ezeemo, who spoke at his country home, Umuchu in Aguata Local Government Area of the state during a solidarity visit to him by youths of the old Aguata union on Thursday, advised the youths that it was their civic responsibility to use their votes to make positive change in the state.
He said, “It is your duty to make the rightful choice and as well ensure that the right person govern the state. As youths, you should shun greedy politicians whose stock in trade is to engage some of you, our future leaders, as thugs in order to actualise their selfish political ambition.”
He said, “Some people say poverty is responsible for the sale of their voter cards but I disagree with such position in that people should know that such act is criminal act.
“It is better for the people to tackle poverty by choosing the right leaders based on their ability and not based on monetary consideration.”
He urged voters to guard jealously their voter cards and come out in their numbers to exercise their franchise in the election.