Two members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State — including the party’s state chairman, Abayomi Tella, along with two officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), have been arrested in Iperu for alleged involvement in vote buying during the Remo Federal Constituency by-election.
The suspects, reportedly apprehended in the early hours of Saturday, were found in possession of large sums of cash allegedly intended to influence the election outcome. According to police sources, the individuals have since provided valuable information about a plot to bribe election officials and manipulate the results.
In a swift response, the Ogun PDP condemned the arrest, claiming Tella was picked up at his hotel in what it described as a politically motivated attempt to weaken the opposition. The party alleged that the action was orchestrated to give the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) an unfair advantage in the by-election.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun cast his vote at Polling Unit 002, Ward 3, Ita-Osanyin, Iperu, as part of the ongoing by-election exercise.
Speaking shortly after voting, Governor Abiodun expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election and praised INEC for its organization and efficiency.
“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 at the polling unit,” he said in a statement.
He also hailed the high voter turnout in his ward, describing it as a positive sign of civic engagement and democratic participation.
