The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State have exchanged accusations over an alleged plan to disrupt the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The PDP accused the ruling APC of planning to deploy thugs to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collection centres to intimidate residents and interfere with the exercise. The APC rejected the allegation, challenging the opposition to present any evidence to security agencies.
The PDP Publicity Secretary in Ogun State, Kayode Adebayo, raised the concern in a statement issued on Friday, as the PVC collection exercise was scheduled to begin across the state.
PDP Raises Alarm Over PVC Collection
Adebayo claimed that the party had received intelligence suggesting that some individuals were planning to disrupt the collection process.
He alleged that the plan involved sending hired thugs and miscreants to INEC centres to intimidate eligible voters and seize their PVCs.
The PDP described the alleged move as a threat to democratic participation and called on INEC to strengthen security at collection centres across Ogun State’s 20 local government areas.
The party also urged the police, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to provide adequate protection and arrest anyone caught attempting to disrupt the exercise.
Adebayo advised residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to INEC officials or security personnel.
He maintained that no political party should interfere with citizens’ constitutional right to vote, adding that the PDP remained committed to a peaceful and credible electoral process.
APC Rejects PDP’s Allegation
The APC dismissed the accusation as baseless, accusing the opposition of creating unnecessary fear among residents.
The party’s Publicity Secretary in Ogun State, Olufemi Nuberu, said the PDP should submit any credible evidence of a planned disruption to the appropriate security agencies rather than make public allegations.
Nuberu said the APC supported due process, civility and peaceful democratic engagement as preparations for the 2027 elections continued.
He also questioned the PDP’s motives, urging the opposition to focus on its political preparations instead of making claims the APC considered unfounded.
“The opposition should stop crying wolf and face the reality of the political task ahead,” Nuberu said, reaffirming the APC’s focus on mobilisation and electoral victory.
PVC Collection Security Concerns Ahead of 2027
The dispute comes as INEC’s PVC collection exercise was scheduled to commence across Ogun State on Friday.
The exchange highlights concerns about the security of electoral materials and the need to protect eligible voters during the collection process.
However, the PDP’s allegation against the APC had not been independently verified at the time the original report was filed. The APC also called for any supporting evidence to be presented to the relevant authorities.
No conclusion can therefore be drawn from the allegations alone about whether a disruption plot existed.