PVC
The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) has raised the alarm over an alleged scheme to buy Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and obtain sensitive voter information ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The campaign council alleged that some individuals were approaching voters to either collect sensitive details on their PVCs or purchase the cards outright, describing the development as a calculated attempt to disenfranchise eligible voters and influence the outcome of the election.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council said the alleged practice had become widespread, exploiting the ignorance and economic challenges of innocent voters.
According to the statement, credible intelligence available to the council indicated that the scheme was designed to prevent eligible voters from participating in the governorship poll.
The council condemned the alleged practice, saying it undermines the democratic rights of citizens to freely participate in elections.
It maintained that the Permanent Voter Card remains the only means through which eligible voters can exercise their franchise, warning that the possession of another person’s PVC is unlawful under Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The campaign council also warned individuals allegedly involved in obtaining PVCs or sensitive voter information in exchange for inducements to desist and return any cards already collected, stressing that it would pursue every lawful means to resist the practice.
It called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to identify those behind the alleged scheme and initiate legal action to safeguard the credibility of the governorship election.
The council also urged security agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals or groups involved in the alleged illegal trade in PVCs to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
While reaffirming its commitment to a free, fair and credible election, the campaign council appealed to residents, particularly eligible voters, not to surrender their PVCs or disclose sensitive information in exchange for money or promises of empowerment.
The council said voters should protect their PVCs as instruments for choosing their leaders and not trade them for temporary financial gains.
It added that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration had demonstrated that government could work for the people and urged residents to retain their voting rights to determine the future leadership of the state.
