Adeleke Accuses APC Of Buying PVCs, Collecting Voters’ PINs To Rig Osun Election
Governor Ademola Adeleke has alleged that members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State are engaged in an illegal operation to buy Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and obtain voters' PINs ahead of the August 15 governorship election, warning residents not to compromise their voting rights.
The governor, in a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, claimed that reports from across the state's 30 local government areas and the Area Office indicated that APC agents were offering money to voters in exchange for their PVCs and PIN numbers.
According to Adeleke, the alleged operation is aimed at disenfranchising eligible voters and manipulating the outcome of the forthcoming governorship election.
He further alleged that the operation was particularly targeted at local government areas where the Accord Party enjoys significant support, claiming that the strategy was designed to alter voters' registration details and prevent them from voting in their designated polling units on election day.
The governor also alleged that in some communities, those seeking the PVCs and PINs required voters to swear oaths before collecting monetary inducements, warning residents not to fall victim to what he described as a plot to deny them their constitutional right to vote.
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 reports and prevent any attempt to compromise the electoral process.
He also claimed there were indications of possible insider collaboration in the alleged scheme, urging the electoral commission not to ignore the development.
"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.
Addressing Osun residents, Adeleke urged them to resist any temptation to sell or surrender their voter cards, stressing that the PVC remains their constitutional power to choose 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 appealed.
The statement comes amid heightened political activities and growing concerns over electoral integrity as Osun prepares for the August 15 governorship election. The APC had not responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
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