The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to disrupt the ongoing Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise, urging electoral and security authorities to protect collection centres across the state.
In a statement issued on Friday, the opposition party said it had received intelligence suggesting that suspected political thugs could be deployed to intimidate registrants, disrupt the exercise and seize PVCs belonging to eligible voters.
The statement, signed by the PDP’s Publicity Secretary, Kayode Adebayo, alleged that the APC was behind the purported plan. However, the party did not provide independent evidence to substantiate the allegation.
“According to reports at our disposal, the ruling APC is allegedly perfecting plans to deploy hired thugs and miscreants to various INEC collection centres with the nefarious objective of disrupting the process, intimidating legitimate registrants, and carting away PVCs belonging to innocent citizens,” the statement said.
The PDP called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen security at collection centres across Ogun State’s 20 local government areas, warning that any interference could undermine voters’ rights and the credibility of the electoral process.
It also urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to deploy adequate personnel to collection points and respond swiftly to any incidents of intimidation or disruption.
The party called for investigations into suspected electoral interference and the prosecution of anyone found culpable under the law.
It advised residents to remain vigilant, comply with the law and report suspicious activities to INEC officials or security personnel. It also warned eligible voters against handing their PVCs to unauthorised individuals.
“Your PVC is your inalienable right and the potent weapon with which to determine your future,” the party said, insisting that no political organisation should interfere with citizens’ constitutional right to vote.
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful, transparent, credible and inclusive electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
