Gombe Govt Accused Of Collecting Voters’ Cards Before Empowerment

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has accused the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of demanding sensitive personal information from residents as a condition for accessing government empowerment materials.

The party alleged that residents participating in an empowerment and palliative programme were being asked to provide details including their voters’ cards, bank account numbers and thumbprints.

The allegation was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Gombe State PDP Publicity Secretary, Abdulkadir Ahmad Dukku.

Dukku said the party became aware of reports that officials or persons acting on behalf of the state government were collecting the information from unsuspecting residents under the claim that it was required for the distribution of empowerment materials.

He described the development as a matter of concern, particularly because voters’ cards and biometric information are sensitive personal details.

“The attention of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Gombe State has been drawn to information going round that the APC Government in the State under Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya is collecting personal details such as account number, voters card and thumb print from unsuspecting individuals in the name of disbursing palliatives to the people.

“The State chapter of the PDP expresses strong concern over the action of the ruling APC Government led by Governor Inuwa Yahaya, pointing out that if the state government genuinely wishes to disburse any kind of support it should be done freely, transparently, and without coercing citizens to surrender sensitive personal information.”

The opposition party questioned why residents should be required to surrender their voters’ cards or provide biometric information before receiving assistance from a government programme.

According to the PDP, the empowerment scheme is funded with public resources.

It therefore argued that eligible residents should be able to benefit regardless of their political affiliation or voting preference.

Dukku said there should be no political condition attached to the distribution of public resources.

He further alleged that the demand for voters’ cards and thumbprints could be used to profile citizens politically, especially as Nigeria gradually approaches another election cycle.

The PDP spokesman also raised concerns about the handling of the information being collected from residents.

He referred to Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the privacy of citizens. The provision states that “the privacy of citizens, their homes, correspondence, telephone conversations and telegraphic communications is hereby guaranteed and protected.”

Dukku maintained that residents should be careful about surrendering documents or personal information without knowing how such details would be stored, used or protected.

He specifically warned residents against handing over their voters’ cards in exchange for empowerment items.

According to him, the Permanent Voter’s Card remains an important document for citizens who intend to participate in future elections.

“The People’s Democratic Party PDP, Gombe State therefore cautions individuals in the state not to give out their personal details to such unpatriotic elements for whatever reason or material benefits. Be warned that your voters card is your weapon during the forthcoming elections in order to bring about purposeful leadership in the Gombe State. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.”

Governor Inuwa Yahaya administration has also been involved in various programmes aimed at supporting residents and vulnerable groups across the state.

However, the PDP is demanding greater transparency over the alleged process of beneficiary registration.

The opposition party did not provide names of specific government officials allegedly involved in collecting the information, nor did it disclose the exact locations where the alleged collection was taking place.

It instead urged residents to exercise caution and avoid surrendering sensitive information simply because they were seeking government assistance.

The allegation was rejected by the Gombe State chapter of the APC.

When contacted over the matter, the state APC chairman dismissed the allegation as false.

“Fake news,” he told Newsmen.

The chairman did not provide further explanation on whether the government was collecting bank account details, voters’ cards or thumbprints as part of the empowerment process.

He also did not immediately give details of the actual registration requirements for beneficiaries of the programme.