Security operatives have arrested two officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) alongside top members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State over alleged vote-buying during Saturday’s by-election in Ikenne Local Government Area.

The suspects, including a male and female INEC staff, were apprehended at a hotel in Iperu-Remo, hometown of Governor Dapo Abiodun. Large sums of cash, suspected to be meant for inducing voters, were reportedly recovered from the scene.

According to reports by Punch, Vanguard and The Nigerian Voice, the incident sparked drama after videos surfaced online showing the arrested individuals squatting on the ground as security agents interrogated them.

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INEC Staff Admits to Collecting Money

One of the arrested INEC staff reportedly confessed on camera that he was instructed by a superior to collect the money from party agents. His female colleague was also seen in the footage, though she denied involvement.

A PDP chieftain arrested at the same location insisted he was innocent, claiming: “You are just showing money; I don’t know anything about it.”

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PDP Reacts, Kicks Against Arrests

The Ogun State chapter of the PDP has condemned the arrests, describing them as an attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to intimidate opposition voices ahead of the by-election.

PDP’s Publicity Secretary alleged that the operation was politically motivated and called for the immediate release of its members. The party further accused security operatives of bias and working in favour of the APC.

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Police, INEC Yet to Issue Full Statement

As of press time, both INEC and the Ogun State Police Command have yet to release detailed official statements about the incident. However, insiders told Punch that the suspects remain in custody and investigations are ongoing.

Observers say the development casts a shadow over the credibility of the by-election, which has already been marred by tension and accusations of malpractice.

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Nigerians React

The arrests have triggered a wave of reactions across social media. Many Nigerians expressed outrage, accusing both INEC officials and politicians of colluding to undermine democracy. Some citizens also demanded that those found guilty face immediate prosecution to serve as a deterrent to future electoral offenders.

🗣️ What do you think about this?
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