Governor alleges plot to harvest voters’ PINs, APC candidate warns residents against selling voter cards.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, on Thursday traded allegations over claims that politicians are attempting to buy Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the August 15 governorship election in the state.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke alleged that members of the APC were carrying out a coordinated operation to buy PVCs and obtain the Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) linked to the cards in a bid to disenfranchise voters.
The governor warned against activities capable of undermining the electoral process and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the allegations.
He claimed the operation was targeted at areas where the Accord Party enjoys strong support, alleging that those behind it intended to manipulate voter registration details and prevent eligible voters from casting their ballots.
Adeleke also alleged that some voters were being induced with cash to surrender the PINs or photocopies of their voter cards, warning residents not to participate in such arrangements.
He called on INEC to investigate what he described as possible insider collaboration and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
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Oyebamiji Urges Voters to Protect Their PVCs
Responding during a campaign rally in Osogbo, where traders at Sabo Market endorsed his candidacy, Oyebamiji also alleged that some individuals were offering money to residents in exchange for their PVCs.
Without naming any political party, the APC candidate claimed some people were inviting youths to local government offices under the guise of offering employment, collecting their bank details and transferring money to them as part of efforts to obtain their voter cards.
He urged residents not to exchange their PVCs for financial inducements, stressing that the cards remain their power to choose the next governor.
Oyebamiji also promised an inclusive administration if elected, saying his government would work closely with market leaders and communities to address their needs and support traders through grants and other empowerment programmes.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 15, with Governor Adeleke seeking a second term on the platform of the Accord Party.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has cleared 13 candidates for the poll, including Oyebamiji of the APC and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.