PVC Buying Is an Assault on Democracy, Perpetrators Must Face the Law – Asejere
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Accord Party Osun Central Senatorial candidate during the forthcoming general election, Aare Ganiyu Olaoluwa Asejere, has condemned the alleged buying of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and the unlawful collection of voters’ personal information ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, describing the practice as an attack on democracy and the constitutional rights of the electorate.
In a statement issued by his media team, Asejere said reports of political actors allegedly offering money to voters in exchange for their PVCs or personal details were disturbing and should concern everyone committed to the integrity of the electoral process.
According to him, “the right to vote is sacred, and any attempt to manipulate, suppress or commercialise that right amounts to electoral sabotage that must not be tolerated.”
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other relevant security agencies to identify, arrest, investigate and prosecute those behind the alleged illegal purchase of PVCs and the harvesting of voters’ information.
“The credibility of the forthcoming election depends not only on what happens on election day but also on safeguarding the right of every eligible voter to participate freely, without intimidation, inducement or manipulation,” he said.
Asejere warned those sponsoring or participating in the alleged scheme to desist immediately, stressing that no political ambition should come at the expense of the nation’s democratic values or in violation of the Electoral Act.
He also appealed to residents of Osun State not to trade their future for temporary financial gain, insisting that the Permanent Voter Card is a powerful democratic tool, not a commodity for sale.
“As citizens, we have a collective responsibility to defend democracy. Selling or surrendering your PVC is surrendering your voice, your future and your constitutional power. No amount of money can replace the value of your vote,” he said.
The Accord candidate reaffirmed his commitment to peaceful, free, fair and credible elections and by called on all stakeholders to play their part in ensuring that the will of the people is freely expressed and respected at the ballot box.