By Seun Ibiyemi
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Oyebamiji, on Thursday exchanged accusations over alleged attempts to induce voters to surrender their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The war of words followed Adeleke’s warning that some politicians were allegedly purchasing PVCs and collecting Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) from unsuspecting voters, a development he said could undermine the credibility of the poll.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor alleged that members of the APC were coordinating efforts to obtain PVCs and PINs from voters, particularly in areas regarded as strongholds of the Accord Party.
According to Adeleke, the alleged operation was designed to prevent affected voters from casting their ballots by manipulating their voter registration details before election day.
“APC agents are extracting the PIN numbers on the voters’ cards through offering of monetary rewards.
The operation is targeting local governments with huge followership of the Accord Party. The plot is to ensure massive dislocation of registered voters from their place of registration,” the governor said.
Adeleke further alleged that some residents were being compelled to swear oaths before surrendering copies of their voter cards or PINs, urging voters to reject inducements capable of depriving them of their voting rights.
He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the allegations.
“I task the electoral body not to look the other way. We have reports of insider collusion which we are still investigating.
READ ALSO:Osun 2026: Don’t sell your votes, Oyebamiji urge electorate
Any link between the PIN numbers on the voters’ card and manipulations of the voting process is a source of concern for us,” he added.
Responding during a campaign rally in Osogbo, APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji also warned residents against exchanging their PVCs for money, alleging that unnamed individuals were indirectly purchasing voter cards through financial inducements.
Addressing traders at Sabo Market, who pledged support for his governorship bid, Oyebamiji urged eligible voters to protect their PVCs and resist attempts to influence their participation in the election.
“I urge you to keep your Permanent Voter Cards and never sell them to anyone. What some people are doing now is buying PVCs indirectly. They are inviting young people to local government offices, collecting their account details and transferring money to them. Do not be deceived,” he said.
The APC candidate also pledged to run an inclusive administration if elected, assuring traders and residents that his government would consult widely and remain responsive to their needs.
Osun State is scheduled to hold its governorship election on August 15, with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke seeking a second term on the platform of the Accord Party.
Oyebamiji of the APC, Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside 11 other candidates, have been cleared by INEC to participate in the election.
