APC Speaks on PVC, Bank Details Collection From Gombe Residents
The All Progressives Congress in Gombe State has dismissed allegations that the administration of Governor Inuwa Yahaya is collecting Permanent Voter Cards, bank details and biometric information from residents through government empowerment programmes.
Politics Nigeria reports that the party described the allegation by the Peoples Democratic Party as politically motivated.
It further accused the opposition of attempting to generate fear and distrust over government interventions designed to support residents.
The APC state Publicity Secretary, Murtala-Usman Tale, stated this in a statement issued on Thursday, insisting that the allegation was “baseless, unfounded and politically motivated.”
Tale said the controversy was unnecessary, arguing that government programmes requiring personal information from beneficiaries should not automatically be construed as attempts to manipulate the electoral process.
He specifically pointed out that PVCs are issued and administered by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which is constitutionally and statutorily responsible for voter registration and the conduct of elections.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Permanent Voter Card is issued and administered by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the statutory body responsible for the registration of voters and the conduct of elections in Nigeria,” the statement said.
The APC stressed that the party was neither responsible for issuing PVCs nor the statutory custodian of the cards.
It consequently challenged the PDP to produce evidence to relevant authorities if it had information indicating that any government agency, official or individual was unlawfully obtaining, retaining or misusing residents’ PVCs or personal information.
“If the Gombe State PDP has credible evidence that any government agency, official or individual is unlawfully collecting, retaining or misusing citizens’ personal information or PVCs, it should present such evidence to the appropriate authorities for investigation rather than relying on unsubstantiated allegations,” the party said.
The ruling party further accused the PDP of relying on political rhetoric rather than offering alternative policies or programmes to address the concerns of Gombe residents.
According to the APC, citizens are capable of distinguishing between legitimate concerns over their welfare and what it described as attempts to discredit government initiatives for political reasons.
The party said the Yahaya administration remained committed to infrastructure development, economic empowerment and other people-oriented programmes aimed at improving living conditions across the state.
“No amount of political rhetoric, misinformation or unfounded allegations will distract the administration from its responsibilities and commitment to the people of the state,” the APC stated.
The party therefore urged the PDP to refrain from making what it called unsubstantiated claims and allow residents to participate freely in legitimate government programmes.
It added that political engagement in the state should focus on policies, ideas and programmes capable of improving the lives of citizens rather than partisan interests.
“Politics should be issue-based and centred on ideas, policies and programmes that improve the lives of the people. Gombe State belongs to all of us, and the welfare, peace and development of its people should always rise above partisan political interests,” the APC said.
Politics Nigeria understands that the rebuttal followed an allegation by the PDP on Wednesday that the state government was collecting sensitive personal information from residents as part of the registration process for an empowerment programme.
In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Abdulkadir Ahmad Dukku, the party alleged that residents were being asked to provide their Permanent Voter Cards, bank account details and thumbprints as conditions for accessing government palliatives.
Dukku expressed concern over the alleged collection of citizens’ personal and biometric data, questioning the necessity of requesting such information for beneficiaries of a government-funded intervention.
He argued that since the programme was financed with public resources, eligible residents should be able to benefit regardless of their political affiliation.
The PDP spokesman further contended that requiring voters’ cards and biometric details was unnecessary for an empowerment scheme and could expose residents to profiling or other forms of misuse of their personal information.
