The Lagos State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a public warning against sharing images or personal details from Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) with political groups or unauthorised individuals, citing serious risks to voter privacy and electoral integrity.
The caution, released in a statement on Thursday by the party’s Directorate of Communication and signed by spokesperson Oluwasegun Adekayero, follows reports of a circulating message urging Lagos residents, particularly on the mainland, to submit clear photographs of their PVCs via WhatsApp for political mobilisation. The party described the request as “dangerous.”
Adekayero stated that the PVC is a confidential document issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and contains sensitive personal data. “Indiscriminate collection of PVC images through informal channels raises serious concerns about data privacy, voter protection and the possible misuse of citizens’ personal information,” he said.
He emphasised that the ADC advocates for political engagement that is lawful, transparent, and respectful of citizen rights. “Political participation should build trust and confidence, not fear, coercion or undue pressure,” the statement read. Residents were advised to safeguard their PVCs and avoid transmitting copies through unsecured digital platforms. The public was urged to report any suspicious requests for voter information to the appropriate authorities.
Reaffirming the party’s commitment to issue-based politics, Adekayero noted that credible democratic engagement depends on protecting citizen data. “We will continue to prioritise civic education, policy dialogue and lawful grassroots mobilisation, rather than the collection of private voter data,” he said, adding that democracy thrives only when citizens are informed, protected and respected.
The warning underscores ongoing concerns about data protection in Nigeria’s electoral process. With general elections approaching, the security of voter information remains a critical issue for maintaining public trust and ensuring a free, fair, and credible democratic exercise. Voters are encouraged to remain vigilant and comply only with official INEC procedures.
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