Adeleke Alleges APC Plot to Buy PVCs, Warns Osun Voters Against Selling Cards
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating a coordinated scheme to buy Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and obtain voters’ PINs ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, alleged that the exercise was aimed at disenfranchising voters and manipulating the outcome of the election.
The governor said reports reaching the state government from the 30 local government areas and the Area Office indicated that APC agents were offering money to voters in exchange for their PVCs and the PINs linked to the cards.
According to him, the alleged operation was targeted at compromising the voters’ register through electronic manipulation and preventing eligible voters from participating in the election.
He further alleged that the exercise was concentrated in local government areas considered to be strongholds of the Accord Party.
“The plot is to ensure the massive dislocation of registered voters from their places of registration to other towns, thereby making it impossible for them to vote on election day,” the statement said.
The governor also claimed that in some parts of the state, those involved in the exercise allegedly demanded that voters swear an oath before collecting money in exchange for their PINs or photocopies of their voter cards.
Describing the alleged activities as criminal and contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act, Adeleke called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to investigate the matter and take necessary action.
“I task the electoral body not to look the other way. We have reports of insider collusion which we are still investigating. Any link between the PIN numbers on the voters’ cards and manipulation of the voting process is a source of concern for us. We trust the electoral body to act,” the governor said.
He urged Osun residents not to surrender their PVCs or disclose their PINs for any financial reward.
“My dear people of Osun State, don’t sell your voters’ cards. Your cards are your power to vote and elect your leaders on August 15 and beyond. Osun APC wants to stop you from voting. Don’t submit your cards,” Adeleke said.