Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating a widespread operation to buy voters' cards and collect voters' PIN numbers ahead of the August 15 governorship election, warning that the alleged scheme is aimed at disenfranchising eligible voters.
Adeleke made the allegation in a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, in which he called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently investigate the development and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
The governor claimed that reports received from across the state's 30 local government areas and the Area Office indicated that APC operatives were offering money to residents in exchange for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and the PINs attached to them.
According to him, the exercise is designed to compromise the electoral register, manipulate voter data and ultimately influence the outcome of the forthcoming poll.
He alleged that the operation is particularly concentrated in local government areas considered strongholds of the Accord Party.
"The plot is to ensure massive dislocation of registered voters from their places of registration, moving them from one town to another and thereby making it impossible for them to vote on election day," the statement said.
Adeleke further alleged that in some communities, voters are being compelled to swear oaths before receiving monetary inducements in exchange for their voter card details or photocopies of the cards.
The governor described the alleged actions as a violation of the Electoral Act and a threat to democratic governance, warning residents against surrendering their voter cards or disclosing any information linked to them.
He also raised concerns about possible insider involvement in the alleged operation and urged INEC not to ignore the claims.
"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 voter cards and manipulation of the voting process is a source of concern for us. We trust the electoral body to act," Adeleke said.
The governor appealed to residents to remain vigilant and protect their voting rights by refusing any inducement tied to their voter cards.
"My dear people of Osun State, don't sell your voter cards. Your voter card is 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," he said.
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