APC rejects PDP allegation on PVC, personal data collection in Gombe

The Gombe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has rejected allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party that the APC-led administration of Governor Inuwa Yahaya is collecting Permanent Voter Cards, bank account details and biometric information from citizens under the guise of an empowerment programme.

The APC, in a statement issued on Thursday by its Gombe State Publicity Secretary, Murtala-Usman Tale, described the allegation as “baseless, unfounded and politically motivated.”

The party said the claim was an attempt to “create unnecessary fear, suspicion and distrust” around government empowerment initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and livelihoods of residents.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Permanent Voter Card is issued and administered by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the statutory body responsible for the registration of voters and the conduct of elections in Nigeria,” the statement said.

The APC stressed that it was neither the issuing authority nor the statutory custodian of PVCs.

It urged the PDP and members of the public to distinguish between legitimate government programmes and political activities, arguing that requests for citizens’ information to access empowerment or social intervention programmes should not automatically be interpreted as electoral manipulation.

The party challenged the PDP to present evidence to the appropriate authorities if it had proof that any government agency, official or individual was unlawfully collecting, retaining or misusing citizens’ personal information or PVCs.

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“If the Gombe State PDP has credible evidence that any government agency, official or individual is unlawfully collecting, retaining or misusing citizens’ personal information or PVCs, it should present such evidence to the appropriate authorities for investigation rather than relying on unsubstantiated allegations,” the statement added.

The ruling party also accused the PDP of resorting to political rhetoric instead of presenting what it described as constructive alternatives and policy solutions to the people.

The APC said the people of Gombe State were capable of distinguishing between genuine concerns about their welfare and what it described as “politically motivated narratives” aimed at undermining legitimate government programmes.

It maintained that the administration of Governor Yahaya remained focused on people-oriented governance, infrastructure development, economic empowerment and initiatives aimed at improving the standard of living of residents.

“No amount of political rhetoric, misinformation or unfounded allegations will distract the administration from its responsibilities and commitment to the people of the state,” the party said.

The APC called on the PDP to stop spreading what it described as unsubstantiated allegations and allow citizens to participate freely in legitimate government programmes.

The party added, “Politics should be issue-based and centred on ideas, policies and programmes that improve the lives of the people. Gombe State belongs to all of us, and the welfare, peace and development of its people should always rise above partisan political interests.”