The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has called on electoral and security authorities to strengthen protection at Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection centres, alleging that suspected political thugs are being mobilised to disrupt the exercise and intimidate eligible voters.

The opposition party accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to interfere with the ongoing collection of PVCs across the state, warning that any attempt to obstruct voters could undermine preparations for the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 9, the PDP said it had received what it described as credible intelligence suggesting that suspected thugs could be deployed to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collection centres to disrupt proceedings and cart away cards belonging to registered voters.

The statement was signed by the party’s publicity secretary in Ogun State, Kayode Adebayo.

The PDP urged INEC to take immediate steps to protect collection centres and ensure that eligible voters could obtain their cards without intimidation or interference.

It specifically called on the commission to strengthen security arrangements across Ogun State’s 20 local government areas, stressing that the exercise must remain accessible to all eligible voters, regardless of their political affiliations.

The party also appealed to the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to deploy adequate personnel to collection centres and respond promptly to any attempt to disrupt the process.

According to the PDP, security agencies should investigate reports of possible electoral interference and prosecute anyone found responsible for intimidation, violence or the unlawful removal of PVCs.

The party said any such attempt, if established, would threaten citizens’ rights to participate freely in the electoral process.

It also urged residents to remain vigilant and law-abiding throughout the collection exercise, advising eligible voters to collect their cards through authorised channels and report suspicious activities to INEC officials or security personnel.

The opposition party warned voters against handing over their PVCs to politicians or unauthorised individuals, describing the cards as essential to their participation in elections.

“Your PVC is your inalienable right and the potent weapon with which to determine your future,” the party said, insisting that no individual should be allowed to take possession of another person’s card.

The PDP maintained that no political party should interfere with the constitutional rights of Nigerians to vote, calling for a peaceful and credible process in which eligible voters can exercise their franchise without fear.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and inclusive electoral process, urging INEC and security agencies to act proactively rather than wait for a disruption to occur before responding.

However, the allegation against the APC was made by the PDP in its statement, and the report did not provide independent evidence confirming the alleged plot.

The call for increased security places the focus on the responsibility of electoral authorities and security agencies to protect voters and ensure that PVC collection proceeds peacefully across Ogun State.