Organisation Calls for Probe Into Claims of Card Collection and Promised Bank Transfers
The Alliance for Truth and Democracy (ATD) has urged voters in Benue State to protect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) amid allegations that political agents linked to Governor Hyacinth Alia’s faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been collecting the cards and promising financial payments to residents.
The group made the call in a statement signed by its President, Jerome Zoho, on October 18, 2026, while asking the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to investigate the reported activities.
ATD alleged that individuals operating in some communities had been collecting PVCs from residents, asking them to sign or thumbprint documents whose contents were not adequately explained, and requesting their bank details for promised money transfers.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and the statement did not provide publicly verifiable evidence establishing the involvement of the governor or his political associates.
Rural Voters Warned Against Deception
ATD expressed concern that residents, particularly those in rural communities, could be vulnerable to misleading requests involving their voter cards and personal information.
The group argued that voters should not be pressured into surrendering their cards or providing financial details without understanding the purpose of the request.
It also claimed that the alleged activities could be linked to the handling of PVCs belonging to registered voters who had yet to collect their cards from INEC.
According to the statement, the cards were allegedly obtained from the commission and passed to councillors for distribution or handling in their wards. ATD called on INEC to establish whether this occurred and whether the process complied with the applicable rules.
Group Calls for Immediate Investigation
The organisation urged INEC to examine the chain of custody of any uncollected PVCs involved in the allegations and clarify whether the cards were released through authorised procedures.
It called on the Nigeria Police Force and the DSS to investigate reports of PVC collection, unexplained documents and possible attempts to induce voters with money.
ATD also asked relevant anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to examine any available evidence of promised payments or transfers.
The organisation said residents who may have surrendered their PVCs or shared bank details under misleading circumstances should be protected from threats, harassment and retaliation.
Legal Questions Raised
ATD referred to provisions it identified as Sections 22(a)–(c) and 125 of the Nigerian Electoral Act 2026, arguing that the allegations warrant examination under applicable electoral laws.
The organisation urged the authorities to verify the relevant statutory provisions and determine whether any offences occurred.
It maintained that the credibility of elections depends on voters being able to make choices freely, without coercion, deception or improper inducements.
ATD Issues Five Demands
The group called for an INEC investigation, security agency inquiries, an examination of possible financial inducements, an end to any unlawful collection or retention of PVCs, and safeguards for affected residents.
It further urged that any cards found to have been improperly collected should be secured and returned to their rightful owners through a transparent process coordinated with INEC.
‘Do Not Sign What You Do Not Understand’
In its message to residents, ATD advised voters not to surrender their PVCs to political agents, sign unexplained documents or disclose sensitive financial information without understanding why it is required.
It encouraged residents to report suspicious conduct to the electoral commission or relevant security agencies.
“Your PVC is your power. Your vote is your voice,” the organisation said, warning against any attempt to compromise citizens’ democratic rights.
The statement was signed by Jerome Zoho, President of the Alliance for Truth and Democracy, and dated October 18, 2026.
Independent investigation is necessary to determine the accuracy of the claims and whether any individual or organisation violated the law.