Accord Party Alerts Osun Residents to Alleged Covert NIN Collection by APC agents
The Accord Party (AP) in Nigeria’s Osun State has issued a stern warning to residents, urging them to resist any attempts to surreptitiously collect their National Identification Numbers (NIN) by individuals allegedly affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement released on Monday in Osogbo, the state capital, Accord Party Chairman Pastor Victor Akande alleged that APC agents were employing deceptive strategies to harvest sensitive personal data from unsuspecting citizens. He emphasized that legitimate political engagement never requires the submission of such confidential information, including NINs, to party representatives.
“No genuine political party programme, engagement or membership exercise requires the surrender of personal data to party agents. Such requests should be treated as a red flag,” Akande stated. He advised the public to firmly decline any such solicitations, regardless of the political, social, or administrative justification presented.
The party leadership called on residents to report all incidents to security agencies and regulatory bodies, commending the populace for their existing vigilance. Akande linked the alleged information drive to broader political ambitions, claiming it forms part of a strategy to undermine the state’s current political dynamics and regain influence. “There is nothing the APC has not thrown at the good people of Osun State to weaken their will,” the statement read, referencing historical political tensions in the state.
Accord Party reiterated its commitment to issue-based politics and the protection of citizen data. The party also urged security forces and relevant institutions to monitor the situation proactively to prevent potential identity theft and exploitation.
The warning highlights ongoing concerns about data privacy and political manipulation in Nigeria’s electoral environment. While the APC has not publicly commented on the allegation, the incident underscores the heightened sensitivities surrounding personal data collection in a key southwestern state with a history of closely contested elections. Residents have been advised to treat unsolicited requests for NIN or other biometric details as suspicious and to verify the legitimacy of any official data collection exercise through government channels.
