Countdown to Ekiti 2026: ADC and APC Clash Over Claims of Voter Data Breach Involving Bank Verification and National ID Numbers

The African Democratic Congress has made a startling accusation against the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State, alleging that the latter is gathering voters' personal identification details to exert influence over the upcoming June 20 governorship election.

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In response, the APC has dismissed the accusation, labeling it as laughable and asserting that the party does not require manipulation to secure a victory in the polls.

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Olugboyega Aribisogan, the Director of Communications, Media and Publicity of the Ambassador Dare Bejide Campaign Organisation, addressed journalists in Ado-Ekiti, claiming that voters are being approached for their Permanent Voter Cards, National Identification Numbers, and in some instances, Bank Verification Numbers, in exchange for cash, food items, and other forms of assistance, particularly in Ado and Ikole Local Government Areas.

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Aribisogan described this alleged practice as a form of voter inducement and an attempt to compromise the integrity of the electoral process, while also alleging that armed thugs are being disguised in fake Amotekun Security Network uniforms to intimidate voters and disrupt polling units.

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The Director urged security agencies and Amotekun authorities to identify and apprehend anyone found wearing the uniform without proper authorization, emphasizing the need to protect the electoral process.

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Aribisogan stated that across several Local Government Areas in Ekiti, the party has documented a pattern where APC agents are collecting PVCs and National Identification Numbers from voters in exchange for promises of cash, food items, or welfare support.

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This practice, according to Aribisogan, is a direct violation of Section 121 of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits voter inducement and the seizure of voter cards, with the ultimate goal of disenfranchising citizens and using the collected PVCs for thumb-printing and multiple voting on election day.

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Aribisogan warned citizens against surrendering their PVCs or NIN to any political party agent, emphasizing that their PVC is their power and that relinquishing it would result in the loss of their voice in the election.

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The Director also revealed that the party has credible intelligence and video evidence of armed thugs being equipped with fake Amotekun Security Network uniforms, who are being trained to intimidate voters, snatch ballot boxes, and attack polling agents on election day.

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Aribisogan noted that impersonating Amotekun officers is not only a criminal offense under the Ekiti State Security Network Law but also a deliberate plot to confuse voters and discredit a regional security outfit that has gained the trust of the Ekiti people.

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The Director called upon the Amotekun Corps Commander in Ekiti and the Police to immediately identify and arrest anyone found wearing an Amotekun uniform without proper authorization.

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Taiwo Olatunbosun, the Commissioner for Information, has responded to the allegations, dismissing them as untrue and stating that the APC is not involved in any of the activities alleged by the African Democratic Congress.

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Olatunbosun described the allegations as laughable, suggesting that the African Democratic Congress is accusing the APC of engaging in practices that they themselves are responsible for, and advised them to cease attempting to garner undue attention.

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Olatunbosun praised the Governor as a peace-loving individual with strong character and intelligence in leadership, emphasizing the Governor's commitment to governance in the state.