The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State has challenged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to provide evidence supporting its allegation that the state government is collecting Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), bank details and biometric information from residents through an empowerment programme.
The ruling party described the allegation as baseless, unfounded and politically motivated, accusing the PDP of attempting to create fear and distrust around legitimate government programmes.
The APC Publicity Secretary in Gombe State, Murtala-Usman Tale, made the position known in a statement issued on Thursday.
The party maintained that PVCs are issued and administered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the statutory body responsible for voter registration and the conduct of elections in Nigeria.
“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 it neither issues PVCs nor serves as the statutory custodian of the cards.
It urged the PDP and residents to distinguish between legitimate government empowerment and social intervention programmes and political activities.
According to the party, requesting personal information from beneficiaries as part of the process of accessing government programmes does not, by itself, amount to an attempt to manipulate elections.
The APC further challenged the PDP to report the matter to the appropriate authorities if it had credible evidence that any government agency, official or individual was unlawfully collecting, retaining or misusing residents’ personal information or PVCs.
“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 statement added.
The ruling party also accused the PDP of relying on political rhetoric rather than presenting what it described as constructive alternatives and policy solutions to the people of Gombe State.
It said residents were capable of distinguishing between genuine concerns about their welfare and what it called politically motivated claims aimed at discrediting government programmes.
The APC maintained that the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya remained focused on infrastructure development, economic empowerment and other initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents.
“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 party said.
The APC urged the PDP to stop making what it described as unsubstantiated allegations and allow residents to participate freely in legitimate government programmes.
The party further called on political parties to focus on issues, policies and programmes capable of improving the lives of citizens.
“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 added.
