The Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation (MDPCO) on Thursday raised the alarm over an alleged plot by some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hand over unclaimed Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to agents of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), while Mr Lawal Daura, a former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), is his running mate.

The campaign organisation also called on eligible voters to remain vigilant and urged INEC to urgently address the allegations, warning that any compromise of unclaimed PVCs could undermine the integrity of the election.

The MDPCO raised the issues through its Director of Strategic Communications, Mr Richard Ihediwa, who alleged that some compromised INEC officials were creating avenues for the APC to access unclaimed PVCs and deploy unregistered persons to polling units in selected locations.

The organisation did not offer details of the alleged plot or name the officials it alleged were behind it.

Ihediwa wrote, “INEC must immediately address these allegations and provide Nigerians with a clear account of the custody, security and exact quantity of unclaimed voter cards nationwide.

“An unclaimed PVC must never become a political asset or be allowed to serve as an instrument for electoral manipulation.

“Any compromise of these cards could open the door to electoral fraud and undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections.”

The campaign organisation further alleged that the unclaimed PVCs could be used to infiltrate polling centres with unregistered persons who would attempt to influence the outcome of the election in favour of the APC and to the detriment of opposition candidates.

It said the allegations placed a huge responsibility on the INEC management to reassure Nigerians and other stakeholders of the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the crucial polls.

The MDPCO urged INEC to publish a transparent, state-by-state breakdown of uncollected PVCs in its custody and disclose to Nigerians the security protocols put in place to prevent their unauthorised access, collection or transfer.

The organisation added, “Nigerians do not need post-election explanations; they deserve pre-election transparency.

“INEC must move beyond assurances to concrete actions that guarantee the integrity and credibility of the electoral process. Every ballot cast must belong to a duly registered and legally qualified voter.”

It alleged that the APC was becoming increasingly concerned by the support for the Makinde/Daura pairing and was seeking ways to compromise the electoral process.

The campaign organisation said any attempt to use unclaimed PVCs to manipulate the 2027 election would be resisted by Nigerians, adding that voters must remain alert throughout the electoral cycle.

It urged Nigerians to monitor activities at their polling units and report suspicious developments to security agencies and accredited election observers.

The MDPCO also called on international election observers to take note of the allegations and demand assurances from INEC on the security and management of unclaimed PVCs.

According to the body, the integrity of the 2027 general elections depends substantially on the sanctity of the voter register and the security of electoral materials before voting commences.

It added that Nigerians would expect the outcome of the 2027 presidential election to reflect their will and aspirations, insisting that every legitimate vote must be protected and attempts to manufacture or manipulate votes decisively resisted. (Nigerian Tribune)

Update news