The Abia State Government has raised alarm over a scam allegedly orchestrated by some politicians and their agents, who are fraudulently collecting personal information from unsuspecting rural dwellers under false pretences.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, the government said it had become aware of the activities of certain political actors who have deployed agents across various wards to illegally obtain details contained on Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Rural dwellers were reportedly lured into surrendering their PVC information in exchange for a payment of ₦10,000 each, under the guise of creating a non-existent e-wallet for an empowerment scheme.
Mr Ekeoma described the scheme as a calculated attempt to compromise the authenticity of voters’ PVCs and disenfranchise them ahead of the 2027 general election.
“The attention of Abia State Government has been drawn to the activities of some politicians in some parts of the state who deployed their agents to various wards to fraudulently obtain information contained on the Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) of unsuspecting rural dwellers in exchange for the sum of Ten Thousand Naira (N10,000) each, under a deceptive guise that it is to create a nonexistent e-wallet for empowerment.
“The intention of the sponsors and perpetrators of this criminal act is to compromise the authenticity of such PVCs and render the owners unfit to vote during the 2027 election”, the statement read.
The Governor’s Aide reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to genuine empowerment initiatives and highlighted ongoing programmes such as the Abia State Interest-Free Loan Empowerment Scheme, which has benefited over 10,000 residents, the Abia TechRise Project, and the training and funding of youths in agricultural skills in Nasarawa State.
He stressed that the programmes have been implemented without political manipulation or conditions that could infringe on citizens’ rights.
Mr Ekeoma condemned the fraudulent activities as “irresponsible” and warned that anyone found engaging in such acts, regardless of status, would face severe consequences beyond their imagination.
He urged all Abians, especially those in rural areas, to shun any individual or group requesting their PVC information or other sensitive personal details under any pretext.
