The Osun State chapter of the Accord Party has warned residents to resist any attempt by political agents to collect their National Identification Numbers (NIN), citing concerns over data privacy, identity theft, and electoral manipulation.
In a statement released by the party on Monday, the Osun State Chairman of Accord, Pastor Victor Babalola Akande, cautioned that no legitimate political engagement, programme, or membership exercise requires citizens to disclose sensitive personal information such as their NIN.
Akande alleged that agents of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were approaching residents under deceptive pretences to obtain personal data, urging members of the public to treat such requests as suspicious and report them to relevant authorities.
He stressed that the protection of personal data has become a critical national issue, particularly as Nigeria continues to strengthen its identity management systems and electoral processes.
The Accord chairman also referenced the prolonged dispute over local government funds in Osun State, accusing the APC of previously contributing to economic hardship at the grassroots level and now seeking to exploit vulnerable citizens through inducements tied to data collection.
“There is nothing the APC has not thrown at the good people of Osun State to weaken their will and undermine their democratic choices,” Akande said, adding that residents have remained “resilient and unyielding” despite political pressure.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to issue-based politics and the protection of citizens’ rights, urging security agencies and relevant institutions to closely monitor political activities that could expose Nigerians to identity-related crimes and data abuse.
