ADC Cautions Lagos Residents Against Sharing PVC Details With Political Groups

The Lagos State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned residents against sharing photographs or personal details from their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) with political groups or unauthorised individuals, citing concerns over voter privacy and data protection.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the party’s Directorate of Communication and signed by its spokesperson, Oluwasegun Adekayero, the ADC said it was alarmed by reports of a circulating message allegedly requesting Lagos residents—particularly those living on the mainland—to submit clear images of their PVCs via WhatsApp for what was described as political mobilisation.

According to Adekayero, such requests pose significant risks to citizens and could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

“The ADC considers it necessary, in the interest of public safety and democratic integrity, to caution Lagosians against sharing sensitive personal information with partisan groups,” he said. “The Permanent Voter Card is a personal and confidential document that contains sensitive data which must be protected at all times.”

PVCs are issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and serve as the primary identification document for eligible voters during elections. They contain personal information including the voter’s name, photograph, and voter identification number.

Adekayero stressed that the indiscriminate collection of PVC images through informal channels such as messaging applications raises serious concerns about data privacy, voter protection, and the potential misuse of citizens’ information.

“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. “Political participation should build trust and confidence, not fear, coercion or undue pressure.”

The ADC advised residents to safeguard their voter cards and avoid transmitting copies through unsecured digital platforms. It also urged members of the public to report suspicious requests for voter information to appropriate authorities.

The warning comes amid heightened political activity in Lagos and across the country, as parties intensify grassroots mobilisation efforts ahead of future elections. Concerns over vote-buying, data harvesting, and other forms of electoral malpractice have remained persistent issues in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.

Although the ADC did not accuse any specific political party or organisation of orchestrating the alleged request, the statement emphasised the importance of lawful and transparent mobilisation strategies. Adekayero reiterated the party’s commitment to issue-based politics and civic engagement rather than tactics that could compromise voters’ rights.

“We will continue to prioritise civic education, policy dialogue and lawful grassroots mobilisation, rather than the collection of private voter data,” he stated. “Democracy thrives only when citizens are informed, protected and respected.”

The development has sparked mixed reactions among members of the public. While some residents welcomed the caution as timely, others argued that voters should already be aware of the risks associated with sharing personal electoral information.

Nonetheless, political observers say the advisory highlights broader concerns about data security in Nigeria’s increasingly digital political environment, where social media and messaging platforms are frequently used for mobilisation.

As political activities continue to gather momentum, stakeholders have repeatedly called for vigilance among voters to ensure that personal data remains secure and that democratic processes are not compromised by unethical practices.