2027: Makinde/Daura Campaign Alleges Plot By APC To Access Unclaimed PVCs From INEC

The Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation (MDPCO) has alleged that some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are planning to secretly release millions of unclaimed Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to agents of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a statement signed by its Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa, the campaign organisation called on INEC to immediately address what it described as allegations circulating in the public domain concerning the custody and possible unauthorized access to unclaimed voter cards.

The MDPCO further alleged that compromised electoral officials could be facilitating access to unclaimed PVCs for the purpose of introducing unregistered persons into polling centres, with the cards allegedly being used to influence election outcomes in selected locations.

The organisation said the allegations placed a significant responsibility on INEC to provide assurances about the security of electoral materials and the integrity of the voter registration process.

“An unclaimed PVC must neither be a disposable property nor a political asset to the enemies of credible elections,” the campaign said, insisting that unclaimed voter cards should remain strictly controlled electoral materials.

The campaign linked the alleged plot to what it described as growing support for the Presidential Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Engr. Seyi Makinde, and his running mate, Alhaji Lawal Musa Daura.

According to the organisation, the APC is allegedly seeking to compromise INEC processes because of the political support it says the APM ticket has attracted across the country.

The MDPCO warned that any attempt to use unclaimed PVCs to manipulate the 2027 elections would face resistance from Nigerians, whom it urged to remain vigilant throughout the electoral cycle.

The campaign also called on INEC to publish a comprehensive account of the number, custody and security arrangements surrounding unclaimed PVCs nationwide.

It specifically demanded a state-by-state breakdown of uncollected voter cards in INEC’s custody, as well as details of the measures in place to prevent unauthorized access, collection or transfer of the cards.

The organisation said such disclosure would help restore public confidence in the electoral process and provide assurances to Nigerians and international observers ahead of the elections.

It also urged Nigerians to monitor activities around their polling units and report suspicious conduct to security agencies and accredited election observers.

The MDPCO called on international observers to take note of the allegations and seek assurances from INEC concerning the protection of electoral materials.

“The integrity of the 2027 general elections depends largely on the sanctity of the voter register and other materials, long before the first ballot is cast,” the statement said.

The organisation said Nigerians should not have to wait until after the elections for explanations concerning the integrity of the electoral process, urging INEC to provide greater transparency before election day.

The MDPCO maintained that the 2027 presidential election should protect the votes of all eligible voters and prevent any attempt to manipulate the electoral process.

It also stated that Nigerians would expect the final outcome of the election to reflect their will and aspirations.

The allegations contained in the statement were attributed to the MDPCO and were not independently established in the campaign’s statement.