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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Campaign Directorate in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State has warned the council chairman, Hon. Onengiyeofori George, against allegedly making the presentation of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) a condition for students to access bursary payments.
The party described the alleged requirement as discriminatory and a potential abuse of public office, warning that it could resort to legal action if the practice continues.
The warning was contained in a statement signed by the Director-General of the ADC Asari-Toru Campaign Council, Alabo Hon. Ipalibo Braide, Esq., and dated October 24, 2026.
The directorate argued that bursaries, being public funds meant to support students' education, should be administered based on transparent and relevant eligibility criteria rather than voter registration status.
It maintained that requiring PVCs could unfairly exclude eligible students who have not registered to vote, particularly those below the constitutionally prescribed voting age of 18.
According to the statement, appropriate requirements for accessing bursaries should include proof of local government origin, admission letters, student identity cards, National Identification Numbers and academic transcripts.
The ADC directorate also expressed concern that making PVC submission compulsory could raise questions about the use of public resources for political purposes, particularly if the exercise involves collecting or recording voters' identification details.
It urged the council chairman to review the alleged requirement and ensure that bursary administration complies with applicable laws and established public financial regulations.
The party warned that it would consider submitting a formal complaint to the state ministry responsible for local government affairs and petitioning the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) if evidence emerges that PVCs are being collected or copied improperly.
It also threatened to petition anti-corruption agencies over any suspected abuse of office and approach the Rivers State High Court to challenge the policy if necessary.
The directorate called on students, parents and other concerned residents to provide relevant evidence, including official circulars or advertisements specifying the PVC requirement, photographs of alleged PVC collection and details of students reportedly denied bursaries because they lacked the cards.
It asked that such evidence be submitted to its office in Buguma for assessment and possible legal action.
The ADC campaign directorate urged the council to ensure that educational assistance remains accessible to qualified students without unnecessary conditions capable of undermining their rights.
As of the date of the statement, the allegations and threatened legal action had not been independently verified. The council chairman's response was also not included in the statement.
