Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, have accused each other of attempts to induce voters to part with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The exchange followed Adeleke’s allegation that some politicians were purchasing PVCs and collecting voters’ Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), a move he warned could compromise the credibility of the election.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor alleged that APC members were carrying out a coordinated operation to obtain PVCs and PINs from voters, particularly in local government areas regarded as strongholds of the Accord Party.
According to Adeleke, the alleged scheme was designed to prevent affected voters from casting their ballots by manipulating their voter registration details before election day.
He claimed that APC agents were offering money to voters in exchange for the PINs linked to their voter cards, adding that the operation was concentrated in areas with strong Accord Party support.
The governor also alleged that some residents were being forced to swear oaths before surrendering copies of their PVCs or PINs, urging the public to reject any form of inducement that could deprive them of their voting rights.
Adeleke called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the allegations, expressing concern over reports of alleged insider collusion and warning that any link between voters’ PINs and election manipulation should be thoroughly examined.
Responding during a campaign rally in Osogbo, APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji also warned residents against selling their PVCs, alleging that some individuals were indirectly buying the cards through financial inducements.
Addressing traders at Sabo Market, Oyebamiji urged eligible voters to protect their PVCs and reject any offer aimed at influencing their participation in the election.
He alleged that some people were inviting youths to local government offices, collecting their bank account details and transferring money to them as part of efforts to obtain their voter cards.
Oyebamiji also pledged to run an inclusive administration if elected, promising regular consultations with communities and assuring residents that his government would remain accountable after the election.
Osun State will hold its governorship election on August 15, with Governor Ademola Adeleke seeking a second term on the platform of the Accord Party.
APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Najeem Salaam, and 11 other candidates have been cleared by INEC to participate in the governorship contest.