The Alliance for Truth and Democracy (ATD) has accused the faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) allegedly loyal to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia of collecting Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from residents and attempting to induce voters with promises of monetary payments.
The group called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police and other relevant security agencies to investigate the allegations, warning that any attempt to manipulate voters or compromise the electoral process poses a threat to democracy in the state.
In a statement, ATD alleged that agents linked to the governor’s political camp had been visiting communities to collect PVCs from unsuspecting residents and asking them to thumbprint or sign documents without explaining their contents.
The group further alleged that the agents requested the bank account details of affected residents, promising to transfer money to them after collecting their cards.
ATD described the alleged activities as a threat to the freedom of the electorate and the credibility of future elections in Benue State.
It also raised concerns over reports that PVCs belonging to registered voters who had yet to collect their cards from INEC were obtained from the commission and subsequently handed to councillors for distribution or handling in their respective wards.
The organisation said the circumstances surrounding the alleged release and handling of the cards required urgent and transparent investigation to establish whether public officials or political actors had used their positions for partisan purposes.
It asked the authorities to determine who authorised the alleged process, the individuals involved and the purpose for which the cards were collected.
The group expressed concern that residents were allegedly being asked to sign documents they did not understand and provide their bank details in anticipation of financial payments.
According to ATD, the allegations raise questions about possible vote buying, voter manipulation and the abuse of public office for electoral advantage.
ATD CITES ELECTORAL LAW
The organisation urged the relevant authorities to examine the applicable provisions of the Nigerian electoral laws concerning the buying and selling of voters’ cards, bribery and attempts to influence voters through financial inducements.
It specifically cited provisions it identified as Section 22(a)–(c) and Section 125 of the Electoral Act 2026, urging INEC and law enforcement agencies to verify their applicability and investigate whether the alleged activities constitute electoral offences.
ATD maintained that no governor, political party, councillor or political operative should be above the law, adding that political ambition must not be allowed to undermine the electorate’s right to freely choose its leaders.
It challenged Governor Alia and members of his political camp to respond to legitimate questions arising from the allegations, insisting that public office must not be used to compromise the democratic process.
The group added that politicians confident of their popularity should have no reason to engage in practices capable of influencing voters through questionable means.
“The ballot belongs to the people of Benue, not to the occupants of Government House or the leadership of any political party,” the organisation said.
DEMANDS INVESTIGATION, PROTECTION FOR VOTERS
ATD called on INEC to establish whether PVCs belonging to voters who had yet to collect them were released to political actors or public officials and to explain the circumstances surrounding any such release.
It also urged the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the alleged collection of PVCs, voter inducement and the circumstances surrounding the signing or thumbprinting of documents whose contents were allegedly not disclosed to residents.
The group further called on the appropriate anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to investigate any evidence of payments, promised transfers or other benefits allegedly offered in exchange for PVCs or political compliance.
It demanded an immediate halt to any unlawful collection or retention of voters’ cards, insisting that cards already collected under questionable circumstances should be secured and returned to their lawful owners through a transparent process coordinated with INEC.
The organisation also urged the authorities to protect affected residents from intimidation, harassment or retaliation and provide safe channels through which they could report their experiences.
‘DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR PVCs’
ATD urged residents, particularly those in rural communities, to remain vigilant and resist any attempt by political agents to obtain their PVCs through deception, threats or promises of money.
It advised voters against signing or thumbprinting documents they did not understand and cautioned them against providing personal or financial information without a clear explanation of its intended use.
The group encouraged residents to report suspicious activities to INEC and the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
“Your PVC is your power. Your vote is your voice. Neither should be surrendered to political desperation,” ATD added
Ends
