An Information Technology expert has explained how the free recharge cards being distributed by agents of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The expert who did not display any name except a phone number wrote:

“Did you see the viral video of telephone card distribution in Nigeria?  Let me explain this from the IT perspective:  When you load the card, the network captures the telephone number upon which the data is loaded. Since most numbers in Nigeria are registered, they now know who you are and what your biometric data are. They can then go on to clone your identity and even vote for you in absentia.  Please advise your loved ones in Nigeria to avoid using this card.

“Everyone needs to know this new voting scam by APC. They’re getting ready to use it in the upcoming election in Nigeria. It needs to be exposed as quickly as possible. It is urgent. An alarm is needed for immediate attention and response.”

Political Economist NG reporter asked an ICT expert, George Mekoma, on the viability of the claim that this could aid rigging of election. He explained it was only possible if INEC server and database are not properly secured.

According to him, it is possible to clone people’s identity using their biometrics as captured in the NIN registration and BVN (Bank Verification Number).

“There’s something called identity theft, it means using someone’s details to clone details identical to that person and using the same details to commit internet fraud including stealing from the person’s bank account.

“In the case of Nigerian elections, because it’s now technology-driven with electronic transmission of results, it’s possible to clone voters’ details using their biometrics but I doubt if that is what the distributors of the recharge cards intend to do,” he told Political Economist NG.