Police in Ogun State have arrested the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abayomi Tella, along with another party member and two officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), over allegations of vote buying during the Remo Federal Constituency by-election.
The suspects were reportedly picked up in the Iperu area on Saturday morning and found with large sums of cash allegedly intended to influence voters and bribe election officials. Authorities say the individuals have already provided useful information about the suspected plan to compromise the poll.
Reacting swiftly, the Ogun PDP dismissed the arrest as politically motivated, claiming Tella was taken from his hotel in what the party described as an attempt to weaken the opposition. The party further alleged that the move was designed to give the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) an undue advantage in the election.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun cast his vote at Polling Unit 002, Ward 3, Ita-Osanyin, in Iperu, where he commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for what he called a seamless and well-organised exercise.
“I commend the peaceful conduct of the election so far, the seamless nature of the process, and the commendable level of preparedness demonstrated by INEC officials,” the governor said, adding that the impressive voter turnout showed the commitment of citizens to participate in the democratic process.
