Osun Poll: TICC Urges INEC, Security Agencies to Clamp Down on PVC Buyers
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to take decisive action against individuals and groups allegedly buying Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) or collecting sensitive voter information ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Esq., on Thursday, the council said it had received reports of a growing trend in which some individuals were approaching voters to either obtain sensitive information contained on their PVCs or purchase the cards outright.
According to the statement, the alleged practice is designed to exploit the economic challenges facing many residents and ultimately disenfranchise eligible voters.
“The scheme, which has become increasingly rampant, exploits the ignorance and economic situation of innocent voters to gain undue access to their PVCs.
Credible intelligence available to us indicates that this unlawful activity is part of a calculated attempt to disenfranchise voters and manipulate the outcome of the forthcoming governorship election,” the statement said.
The campaign council condemned the development, describing it as a direct assault on the democratic rights of citizens to freely participate in the electoral process.
“Our campaign strongly frowns at this unwholesome practice, which seriously interferes with the democratic rights of voters to participate in elections without hindrance. Democracy is about participation, and the PVC is the instrument that gives every eligible voter the opportunity to exercise that constitutional right,” it stated.
TICC also cited Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2026, warning that it is unlawful for anyone to possess a PVC belonging to another person or induce voters to surrender their cards or sensitive information in exchange for money or promises of empowerment.
“We must emphasise that possession of a PVC other than the one bearing one’s name is unlawful under Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2026. It is therefore necessary to warn those involved in this illegal enterprise to desist immediately and return whatever has been unlawfully obtained, as we will explore every lawful means to resist this undemocratic practice,” the statement added.
The council urged INEC to immediately investigate the allegations, identify those behind the scheme and prosecute anyone found culpable.
It also called on security agencies to intensify efforts to dismantle the network allegedly involved in the illegal trade of PVCs.
“We call on INEC to activate measures to identify those behind this scheme and take all necessary legal steps to guarantee the integrity of the forthcoming election.
We equally urge security agencies to go after the criminal syndicates trading in PVCs and ensure they face the full weight of the law,” the statement said.
Appealing directly to voters, the campaign council advised residents not to surrender their PVCs or disclose sensitive information to anyone, regardless of the promises or financial inducement offered.
“PVC is the power the people hold to make leadership choices. They must not surrender that power for temporary financial gain, which could ultimately result in leadership that worsens their living conditions,” it stated.
The council further maintained that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration had demonstrated that governance could deliver tangible benefits to the people, urging voters to keep their PVCs and exercise their right to vote in the August 15 governorship election.