By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu
The Labour Party (LP) in Abia State has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against what it described as desperate attempts to seize power through unconstitutional means.
In a statement issued by the Abia State Chairman of the party, Sir Emmanuel Nwaeze Oti, the Labour Party alleged that some prominent individuals within the APC were engaged in the illegal collection of Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) details and National Identification Numbers (NIN) from citizens across the state’s 17 local government areas, under the pretext of party e-registration.
The party claimed that the activities were allegedly carried out during so-called “Town Hall meetings,” where sensitive personal information of unsuspecting citizens was either copied or photographed.
According to the statement, the Labour Party stressed that no political party, group or individual has the legal authority to demand or collect PVC or NIN details from citizens in such a manner.
“No individual, group, or political party has the right to demand or collect PVC or NIN details from citizens in this manner. Such actions are illegal, unsafe, and constitute a gross violation of electoral laws, data protection regulations, and established democratic processes,” the statement said.
The party said its concerns followed an incident in which a suspect identified as Kelechi Henry Nwafor, said to be from Ibom Village, Ndi Okwu Compound, Arochukwu, was allegedly arrested and handed over to the Nigeria Police.
According to the Labour Party, the suspect reportedly confessed at the Arochukwu Divisional Police Headquarters that he was sent on the alleged illegal assignment on the instructions of influential members of the APC in the state.
The Labour Party appealed to residents of Abia State to remain vigilant and refrain from sharing personal information such as PVC or NIN details with unverified individuals or groups.
It also urged citizens to promptly report any suspicious activities related to voter data collection to appropriate security agencies for immediate action.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of the electoral process and safeguarding the rights of Abia voters ahead of future elections.
