Alleged PVC Harvesting: Anyaso Campaign Warns Bende Voters, Seeks INEC, Security Probe

The campaign organization of Dr. Chima Anyaso has raised the alarm over alleged collection of Permanent Voter Cards in Bende Federal Constituency by persons said to be operating under the All Progressives Congress, APC.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Strategic Communication, Hon. Chief Emenike Okorie, the campaign said the individuals were allegedly going from community to community, collecting PVCs under the pretext of empowerment programmes and distribution of palliatives. Some residents, according to the statement, have alleged that their cards were not returned.

The campaign described the development as “a serious threat to the constitutional right of citizens to freely participate in elections,” and warned that no empowerment or palliative should require a voter to surrender their PVC.

“We urge Ndi Bende to remain vigilant and protect their PVCs. Do not surrender your PVC to any individual, political group or agent under any pretext,” the statement read.

It further called on INEC, the police and other security agencies to investigate any credible report of PVC collection and take legal action against those found culpable.

Chief Okorie emphasized that “The PVC belongs to the voter. It is not a political party’s property, nor should poverty or the promise of temporary assistance be weaponized to compromise anyone’s franchise.”