KOGI 2019: PDP candidate accuses INEC of selling PVCs ahead of poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was on Thursday accused of selling Permanent Voters Card (PVC) in Kogi State.

The allegation came from the Campaign office of the Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the November election, Engr. Musa Wada.

It alleged that the commission has been selling the PVC to some people in government.

The Head Media and Strategy, Engr Musa Wada Campaign Office, Mr. Faruk Adejoh-Audu in a statement made available to newsmen, alleged that intelligence  reaching the campaign indicated that there’s an ongoing exchange of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) by certain rogue elements in Kogi State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and some agents of the government.

The statement reads, “The crooked elements in INEC are said to be in possession over 15 thousands of uncollected PVCs covering several wards which they have struck a deal to exchange for N850 per card.

“It is now obvious that some INEC staff have been deliberately putting up obstacles to prevent registered voters from collecting their cards because of their nefarious trade.

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We are by this statement calling on INEC and the security agencies to immediately investigate this report with a view to apprehending the culprits.

“We are hereby demanding an immediate audit of collected and uncollected PVCs from the commission. We note that several times persons known to be working for the outgoing government have been arrested with multiple PVCs but up till now the security agencies in Kogi State have done nothing to bring the criminals to book.

“We call on the good people of Kogi State to remain vigilant and to raise alarm anywhere they encounter anyone engaged in any activity that could comprise the integrity of the governorship election on November 16”.

Meanwhile, INEC in its response debunked the rumour and allegation from PDP.

According to Ahmed Biambo Bagudu, Head of  Voters Education and Public Enlightenment, the collection of PVC is being done across the state.

“You tender your temporary PVC and collect the original one. If you have lost your temporary one you tender affidavit at the collection centre. Collection end 30th of this month.

“Not true we are not selling PVC to any government agents. I hereby called on the general public to disregard what the Wada campaign office is saying. It’s just all lies fabricated against INEC,” he said.

 

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