OSOGBO – Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has alleged that opposition elements are orchestrating a widespread scheme to buy Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and obtain voters’ PINs in a bid to manipulate the outcome of the August 15 governorship election.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor claimed that the operation is aimed at electronically disenfranchising eligible voters and compromising the integrity of the state’s voters’ register.
According to the statement, individuals allegedly working for the opposition have been offering money to residents in exchange for their PVCs or the PINs linked to the cards. Adeleke further alleged that local government areas with strong support for the Accord Party are being specifically targeted.
He claimed that part of the alleged strategy involves transferring registered voters from their original polling locations to other areas, making it difficult or impossible for them to vote on election day.
The governor also alleged that, in some communities, agents were demanding that voters swear oaths before collecting money in exchange for photocopies of their PVCs or their PINs.
Describing the alleged activities as criminal and a violation of the Electoral Act, Adeleke called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently investigate the claims and prevent any attempt to undermine the credibility of the election.
He also alleged possible insider collaboration in the reported operation, urging the electoral commission not to ignore what he described as disturbing reports.
“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’s card and manipulation of the voting process is a source of concern for us. We trust the electoral body to act,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.
Adeleke appealed to residents of Osun State not to surrender or sell their Permanent Voter Cards, stressing that the PVC remains their constitutional tool for choosing their leaders.
“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. Don’t submit your cards,” he said.
The opposition party has not publicly responded to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
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