Ogun 2027: PDP, APC Trade Accusations Over Controversial Membership Cards
The cards, bearing the PDP logo and identification numbers, have generated public reactions, with the APC camp alleging that they were part of a plan to induce voters, while Adebutu's camp has dismissed the allegation as political propaganda.
In a statement titled "Ogun APC, The Propagandists and Their Unfruitful Efforts to Twist Membership Cards as Access Cards," Adebutu's Media Aide, Afolabi Orekoya, described the allegations against the PDP candidate as an attempt to mislead the public and discredit the opposition party.
Orekoya explained that the cards being circulated were not financial instruments but internal party administrative and membership accreditation tools designed to organise and verify legitimate PDP members.
He argued that the cards lacked the features associated with conventional bank payment cards, including EMV chips, magnetic stripes and card verification values (CVV), insisting that their physical appearance did not support claims that they were loaded with money.
The PDP aide described the allegations as baseless, accusing the APC camp of confusing membership accreditation with financial transactions in an effort to undermine Adebutu's political standing ahead of the 2027 election.
He further maintained that the party's membership registration and accreditation exercise was a legitimate administrative process aimed at verifying its members and strengthening its organisational structure.
According to Orekoya, providing logistical and administrative support for party membership activities should not be equated with vote buying, which he noted is an electoral offence involving the inducement of voters.
He also questioned the timing of the allegations, arguing that the PDP's ongoing membership activities were being misrepresented for political purposes.
The statement further challenged the APC camp's allegations, saying that the PDP was prepared to have its activities monitored by relevant security and anti-corruption agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Orekoya urged residents of Ogun State and PDP members to disregard what he described as fabricated claims, maintaining that Adebutu remained focused on his political engagements ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The controversy comes amid heightened political activities in Ogun State as political parties and their candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
While the PDP has maintained that the cards are strictly for membership administration and accreditation, the allegations surrounding their purpose have continued to generate political debate. Independent clarification of the cards' functions and any alleged financial value would be necessary to establish the facts surrounding the controversy.