The Edo State Village Boys Movement has alleged a plot to clone Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) using artificial intelligence (AI) in Edo State, accusing the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, of being linked politically to attempts to undermine the electoral process.
The movement, which supports Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, made the allegations in a press statement signed by its Village Town Crier and Publicity Secretary, Osayimwense Isabeghian.
According to the group, it received reports from its ward coordinators about an alleged plan to use AI technology to clone PVCs on a large scale in the state.
It described the alleged operation as “a coup against democracy”, warning that cloned voter cards could be used to undermine the will of the electorate.
The group linked its concerns to reports that Tenebe had threatened Edo voters with “AK-47 fire” and a “General Purpose Machine Gun” if they failed to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu.
Describing the alleged remarks as “reckless, inflammatory and violent rhetoric,” the movement said they raised concerns about the intentions of the APC leadership in the state.
“We will resist any form of rigging by APC and Emperor Jarrett Tenebe in Edo State,” the statement declared.
The group further warned that it would mobilise its members to defend polling units peacefully and lawfully, adding that it would resort to what it called “lawful self-help” if necessary to protect votes.
The movement called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman to order an immediate forensic audit of PVCs and Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines in Edo State.
It also urged the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner to publicly assure residents of the security of their PVCs.
Additionally, the group called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the alleged threats attributed to Tenebe and the purported PVC-cloning operation.
It also appealed to civil society organisations and international observers to closely monitor developments in the state ahead of future elections.
“Edo State belongs to Edo people, not to Emperor Jarrett Tenebe or any political party. No amount of intimidation will stop us,” the statement added.
The group concluded with the declaration: “We Will Resist Rigging! Edo Votes Must Count! No to AI PVC Cloning!”
The allegations of PVC cloning and the claims concerning Tenebe remain unverified. No independent evidence establishing the alleged cloning operation was provided in the statement.
