No PVC, No Vote: SIDEC Rallies New Registrants, Transfer Applicants to Collect Voter Cards Ahead of Anambra Poll

The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has called on residents of Anambra State who recently participated in the voter registration exercise to proceed to their designated registration points and collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs).

In a statement signed by Ugochi Ehiahuruike, Executive Director of SIDEC, the organization emphasized that collecting the PVC remains the only assurance that new registrants and transfer applicants will be eligible to vote in the November 8, 2025, gubernatorial election in the state.

The five-day PVC collection exercise commenced on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, across all Registration Areas (RAs) popularly known as political wards in Anambra State.

According to the statement:“This exercise, which began on Wednesday, October 22, provides new registrants and those who applied for transfer to new polling units during the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) the opportunity to obtain their PVCs and participate in the upcoming election.The PVC is not just a card—it is the instrument of power that enables citizens to exercise their democratic right to choose their leaders. Without it, many citizens—especially youths, women, and persons with disabilities—risk being excluded from the electoral process.”

SIDEC urged all eligible voters to take immediate steps to collect their cards, describing it as the first and most crucial step toward building the leadership and future they desire.

“Collecting your PVC is the beginning of active citizenship,” the statement continued. “It is your voice, your power, and your right. Let no one trade this opportunity for apathy, indifference, or disenfranchisement.”it stated.

SIDEC reiterated that PVC collection is strictly in-person, warning that no collection by proxy will be permitted. The organization further advised those who transferred their polling units to carefully verify that the details on their PVCs correspond to their new polling locations.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 146,353 valid new registrants and transfer applicants were recorded in Anambra State during the last CVR exercise. This brings the total number of registered voters in the state to 2,802,790, underscoring the significance of mass participation in the forthcoming governorship election.

Through its flagship initiative, Project IMPACT, SIDEC continues to mobilize citizens across Anambra State toward active, peaceful, and informed participation in the electoral process. The organization is also working to combat voter apathy, disinformation, and vote buying, which threaten the integrity of elections and weaken democratic governance.

SIDEC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting credible, inclusive, and transparent elections through sustained civic education and collaboration with key stakeholders, including INEC, civil society organizations, the media, and community leaders.

“Our democracy can only thrive when citizens take ownership of the process,” Ehiahuruike stated. “SIDEC remains steadfast in empowering communities to make informed electoral choices and in strengthening citizens’ voices for accountable governance.” it added.

Project IMPACT is being implemented by SIDEC in partnership with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, with funding support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom.