The Voice of Nigerians in the Diaspora has alleged that there was a new plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rig the 2027 general election through the use of voters’ identification numbers (VINs).
In a video message issued by Dr. Blessing Oyenkachi, the Voice of Nigerians in the Diaspora alleged that the new scheme involved distributing forms to unsuspecting eligible voters to obtain their Voter Identification Numbers (VINs) during the distribution of bags of rice, fertilisers and other voter-inducement palliatives.
According to Dr. Oyenkachi, once the VINs are obtained, they could allegedly be used to carry out accreditation on the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) before the device is taken to the polling unit, claiming that this could result in the affected voter being unable to undergo accreditation at the polling unit and consequently being disenfranchised, while votes would allegedly be recorded in favour of the APC.
She further warned that forms requesting voters’ identification numbers were already being distributed at the local government level under the guise of empowerment programmes, including grants for traders, farmers and fishermen, with the alleged objective of obtaining their VINs.
Dr. Oyenkachi therefore called on Nigerians not to disclose their Voter Identification Numbers when filling out forms presented under any guise, adding that the APC was desperate and prepared to employ various means to secure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Meanwhile, in a swift reaction, the Bayelsa State Chapter of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has urged its teeming supporters to be vigilant and wary of forms requesting their Voter Identification Numbers.
Speaking to newsmen, the Chairman of the party, Hon. Dauprebo Ikuromo, said that only a party with what he described as the “dubious antecedents” like the APC would seek voters’ identification numbers in exchange for palliatives.
Hon. Ikuromo urged Bayelsans to be vigilant not to fall for the antics of the APC that has brought hardship, hunger, poverty, insecurity and failed promises to Nigerians.
The NDC chairman urged Bayelsans to safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and vote out the APC at all levels in the 2027 general election.