The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State have exchanged allegations over a suspected attempt to disrupt the collection of Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The dispute emerged as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepared to begin PVC collection across the state on Friday.
The PDP alleged that the APC intended to send thugs to INEC collection centres to intimidate registrants, disrupt the process and seize their voter cards. The ruling party, however, rejected the accusation and asked the opposition to provide evidence to security agencies.
In a statement, the PDP’s Publicity Secretary in Ogun State, Kayode Adebayo, said the party had received information suggesting that plans were underway to interfere with the exercise.
He described the alleged move as a threat to citizens’ participation in the electoral process and called on INEC to strengthen security at collection centres across the state’s 20 local government areas.
The PDP also urged the police, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to deploy adequate personnel and apprehend anyone attempting to obstruct PVC collection.
Adebayo advised residents to remain alert and report suspicious activities to electoral officials or security operatives. He maintained that political parties should not prevent eligible voters from exercising their constitutional right to vote.
The APC dismissed the claims, accusing the PDP of creating unnecessary fear among residents without presenting evidence.
The state APC Publicity Secretary, Olufemi Nuberu, said the opposition should forward any credible information about a possible disruption to the appropriate security authorities rather than making public allegations.
Nuberu said the APC was committed to peaceful political engagement and due process, adding that the party was concentrating on mobilising supporters ahead of the 2027 elections.
He also questioned the PDP’s decision to publicise the allegation, insisting that the ruling party had no plan to interfere with the PVC collection exercise.
The accusations by the two parties had not been independently verified as of the time the report was filed.
