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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised serious concerns over reports alleging that the Enugu State Government is compelling civil servants, teachers and local government employees to submit their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), National Identification Numbers (NINs) and bank account details.
The allegation was contained in a press statement issued on Wednesday by the party’s Director of Strategy, Policy and Implementation (South East), Dr Alex Obiechina, who described the development as troubling and dangerous, warning that such actions, if proven, amount to coercion, abuse of state power and a grave threat to Nigeria’s democratic process.
According to the statement, workers are allegedly being induced with promises of substantial financial payments, while those who refuse to comply are reportedly being threatened with job loss.
“We in the African Democratic Congress consider this development deeply alarming. Such actions, if allowed to continue, constitute the coercion of public employees, abuse of state power and a serious threat to electoral integrity. They amount to vote buying and voter intimidation—practices that directly violate Nigeria’s Electoral Act and undermine the guarantees of political freedom enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement reads.
The ADC also expressed grave concern over the alleged collection of sensitive personal data, particularly BVN and NIN, for what it described as political purposes.
“Equally concerning is the reported collection of BVN and NIN data for political use. These identifiers are highly sensitive personal and financial data, and their unlawful aggregation creates grave risks of identity theft, financial fraud and large-scale abuse.
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“Such actions expose millions of citizens to potential harm and represent not merely a domestic political issue, but a broader democratic and human-rights concern.”
Calling for immediate intervention, the party urged relevant institutions to investigate the allegations without delay.
The ADC further appealed to Enugu State workers to resist intimidation and safeguard their constitutional rights.
“We appeal to Enugu State workers to remain vigilant and to resist any form of intimidation or coercion that compromises their constitutional rights and personal security,” the statement added.
“Democracy depends on free choice, not fear. Public service must never be weaponised for partisan gain. The vote is a fundamental human right, not a tradable commodity.”
Dr Obiechina reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the rule of law, data privacy and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
