Supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2003 presidential candidate, commonly referred to as Obidents have started a campaign to educate Nigerians about the need of having a permanent voter’s card ahead of the general elections in 2027.
The Obident Movement-affiliated group launched “A New Nigeria is Possible: Get your PVC and GO MERD” on Thursday.
The Obident Movement claimed it would do everything in its power to guarantee that every Nigerian of voting age receives a PVC so they can cast ballots in the 2027 elections in a statement released by its media department on Thursday.
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The statement read in part, “In response to the urgent national clamour for the rescue of our beloved nation and the birth of a New Nigeria, the Obident Movement is excited to announce the launch of a new campaign, ‘A New Nigeria is Possible – Get Your PVC and GO MERD.’
“The GO MERD acronym stands for Get Organised – Make Election Rigging Difficult, which underscores our new focus as we head into the 2027 election season. It is our plan to mobilise millions of Nigerians into organised voting blocs, ensure that every eligible citizen has a Permanent Voter’s Card, and protect the integrity of the 2027 elections.
“To protect the integrity of the 2027 elections and ensure more Nigerians participate in the democratic process, the GO MERD campaign has a straightforward mission: in every polling unit across Nigeria, every Obident will either lead or join a voting bloc of at least 100 Nigerians in their polling unit.
“We will work to achieve 100% PVC ownership in each bloc. We will go door-to-door, help people get to registration points, and recruit 1,500 values-based leaders to run for office under the Obident platform.
“In 2027, we will turn out en masse to vote out bad leaders, defend the process with one million trained vote protectors, and use technology, real-time reporting, and proactive resistance to make rigging very unattractive and dangerous for politicians and institutions who delight in thwarting the people’s mandate.”
The Obident movement drew a picture of a new Nigeria of its dream saying, “As Obidents, we believe that a new Nigeria is one where food is affordable, communities are secure, healthcare works, education equips our young people for the future, rural areas are connected to markets, women have equal opportunities, businesses can grow without harassment, and the diaspora can return home with pride.”
The statement added, “For our children, it is about building a country where patriotism is not a burden, but a thing of joy,” and called on every Obidient and every Nigerian who believes in a better future “To take part in this campaign. Do not leave it for others.”
In a message aimed at eliciting participation, the group charged, “Get your PVC or help at least ten others to get theirs.
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“Create or join a voting bloc at Obidients.com. Mobilise your friends, neighbours, colleagues, and family to register and prepare to vote.
“Volunteer as a vote defender in your polling unit for 2027.
“Attend rallies, townhalls, and community events to spread this message.
“Share this campaign online and offline using #ANewNigerialsPOssible #SaveNigeria #GetYourPVC #GOMERD #1MillionObidients.”
It reminded citizens that “The path from frustration to transformation is clear. We can save Nigeria. We can make election rigging difficult. And together, we can prove that a new Nigeria is possible.”
