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The chairman of Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, Chinedu Enwereuzo, has issued a strong warning to residents against handing over sensitive personal information such as Permanent Voter’s Cards, National Identification Numbers, Bank Verification Numbers, and bank account details to any individual or organization. He stressed that no arm of government has granted approval for the collection of such data from members of the public.
Enwereuzo explained that releasing personal information to unauthorised persons places residents at serious risk, exposing them to identity theft, financial fraud, and other forms of criminal exploitation. He urged citizens to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of any request involving personal data, noting that many criminal schemes often disguise themselves as civic or political activities.
A similar concern was raised by the chairman of Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Chinedu Ekeke, who disclosed that his office had received multiple reports of individuals allegedly demanding sensitive information from residents under the guise of political party registration. According to him, these reports suggested that some people were actively collecting or even taking photographs of residents’ Permanent Voter’s Cards and National Identification Numbers in parts of the council area.
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In a statement issued through his media aide, Chimaobi Ben Okorie, Ekeke said the alleged activities were observed during events such as party registration exercises, voter-related programmes, town hall meetings, and community outreach initiatives. He warned that these actions were illegal and had no backing under Nigerian law.
Ekeke emphasised that no individual, group, or political organisation has the authority to collect citizens’ personal data in that manner. He advised residents to immediately report any such activity to appropriate authorities and to refrain from cooperating with anyone requesting sensitive information outside officially recognised processes.
The warnings from the two local government chairmen come amid heightened political activities in Abia State, with increased public engagement around party registration and electoral preparations. Authorities fear that this atmosphere may be exploited by unscrupulous actors seeking to harvest personal data for fraudulent or political manipulation.
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Amid the growing allegations, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, addressed the issue while speaking to journalists on Friday. Kalu dismissed claims that his party, the All Progressives Congress, was purchasing National Identification Numbers or other personal details from residents in Abia State during its ongoing electronic registration exercise.
He described the allegations as misleading and unfounded, insisting that the APC’s registration process does not involve the collection or monetisation of sensitive personal data. According to him, the party operates within the law and has no interest in engaging in activities that could compromise citizens’ privacy or security.
The developments have sparked renewed calls for public awareness on data protection and personal security, as officials continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and safeguard their personal information in the face of increasing political mobilisation.
