Adeleke Oyebamiji PVC buying claims spark fresh controversy as Osun election contenders accuse rivals of attempts to influence voters
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji have exchanged fresh allegations over claims of attempts to induce voters to surrender their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 15 August 2026 governorship election.
Also read: ADC Slams APC Over 2027 Focus Amid Nigeria Hardship
The latest dispute over Adeleke Oyebamiji PVC buying claims followed Adeleke’s warning that some political actors were allegedly offering money to voters in exchange for access to their PVC details and Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), a practice he said could threaten the credibility of the electoral process.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor alleged that there was a coordinated effort by some APC members to obtain PVCs and PINs from voters, particularly in areas believed to have strong support for the Accord Party.
Adeleke claimed the alleged move was designed to prevent affected voters from participating in the election by interfering with their registration information before polling day.
“APC agents are extracting the PIN numbers on the voters’ cards through offering of monetary rewards. The operation is targeting local governments with huge followership of the Accord Party,” Adeleke alleged.
The governor also claimed some voters were being pressured to provide copies of their voter cards or PIN details, urging residents to reject any form of inducement that could compromise their right to vote.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the allegations, saying any possible connection between voter information and electoral manipulation required urgent attention.
Responding to the allegations during a campaign rally in Osogbo, Oyebamiji also warned residents against surrendering their PVCs in exchange for money, while accusing unnamed individuals of attempting to influence voters through indirect financial arrangements.
Speaking at Sabo Market, Oyebamiji urged eligible voters to keep their PVCs safe and resist any offer that could affect their participation in the election.
“I urge you to keep your Permanent Voter Cards and never sell them to anyone. What some people are doing now is buying PVCs indirectly,” Oyebamiji said.
The APC candidate alleged that some young people were being invited to local government offices, where their account details were collected and money transferred to them, describing the practice as misleading.
Beyond the allegations, Oyebamiji used the campaign platform to assure residents of an inclusive administration if elected, promising greater consultation with communities and attention to their needs.
The exchange comes as political activities intensify ahead of Osun’s governorship election scheduled for 15 August 2026.
Adeleke, who is seeking a second term under the Accord Party platform, will face Oyebamiji of the APC, Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and other candidates cleared by INEC.
Also read: ADC Slams APC Over 2027 Focus Amid Nigeria Hardship
Concerns over voter inducement and electoral integrity have remained recurring issues in Nigerian elections, with electoral authorities and civil society groups frequently warning citizens against practices that could undermine free participation and the credibility of democratic contests.
