The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gombe State chapter, has called for a probe of the government of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for collecting voters’ cards, bank account details, and thumbprints from residents allegedly under the guise of an empowerment programme.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the state PDP Publicity Secretary, Abdulkadir Dukku, who said the party had received information that individuals were being asked to provide sensitive personal information as a condition for accessing palliatives and empowerment materials.
The party called on residents to be vigilant, describing the alleged collection of personal information as a matter requiring public attention.
According to the party, beneficiaries should not be required to surrender sensitive personal information or prove their political affiliation before accessing government programmes.
The statement read, “The attention of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Gombe State, has been drawn to information going around that the APC Government in the State under Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya is collecting personal details such as account numbers, voters’ cards, and thumbprints from unsuspecting individuals in the name of disbursing palliatives to the people.”
“The State chapter of the PDP expresses strong concern over the action of the ruling APC Government led by Governor Inuwa Yahaya, pointing out that if the state government genuinely wishes to disburse any kind of support, it should be done freely, transparently, and without coercing citizens to surrender sensitive personal information.”
“It should be noted that the empowerment program is being funded from the public treasury, whereby each and every individual is entitled to such materials irrespective of his political leaning. Hence, there is no obligation on the people as a condition for obtaining the materials. The insistence by the administration of Governor Inuwa Yahaya to demand voters’ cards and biometric data as a prerequisite is therefore unnecessary, unlawful, and a clear attempt to profile citizens.”
“Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to privacy, stating that ‘the privacy of citizens, their homes, correspondence, telephone conversations, and telegraphic communications is hereby guaranteed and protected.’ This right extends to personal data because such information reveals a person’s identity, choices, and associations.”
“A voter’s card should be treated under this right because it contains sensitive personal information, including name, photograph, date of birth, address, NIN, and polling unit details that can be used to identify, profile, or target an individual. Mishandling, collecting without consent, or disclosing PVC data can therefore infringe on a citizen’s constitutional privacy and expose them to intimidation, fraud, or political manipulation.”
“The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Gombe State, therefore cautions individuals in the state not to give out their personal details to such unpatriotic elements for whatever reason or material benefits. Be warned that your voter’s card is your weapon during the forthcoming elections in order to bring about purposeful leadership in Gombe State.”