Police arrest PDP chieftains, INEC officials over alleged vote buying in ogun By-election

Two members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including its state chairman, Abayomi Tella, and two officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were on Saturday arrested in Iperu, Ogun State, with huge sums of cash allegedly meant for vote buying during the Remo Federal Constituency by-election.

The suspects, apprehended in the early hours of the day, were said to have given useful information to police investigators about their roles in a plan to bribe election officials and manipulate the poll.

Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Command said the arrests were part of efforts to curb electoral malpractice and ensure a credible exercise.

Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, cast his vote at Osanyin Ward 3, Unit 002, in Iperu. Speaking after voting, he expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise, commending INEC for what he described as a seamless and well-prepared process.

“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,” the governor said.

Abiodun also praised the impressive voter turnout in his polling unit, saying it reflected citizens’ readiness to actively participate in the democratic process.

The by-election in Remo Federal Constituency is among several contests being held across parts of the country to fill vacant legislative seats.