Tension flared in Ogun State on Saturday after police arrested the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abayomi Tella, alongside another party member and two officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), over allegations of vote-buying in the Remo Federal Constituency by-election.
The suspects were reportedly apprehended in the Iperu area during the early hours and found with large sums of cash allegedly earmarked for bribing election officials and influencing voters. According to police sources, the arrested individuals have provided “useful information” about their roles in what was described as a grand scheme to subvert the electoral process.
But the PDP swiftly rejected the allegations, insisting that Tella was taken from his hotel room in a move it claimed was politically motivated. The opposition party accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the arrest to weaken its chances in the hotly contested by-election, describing the development as a ploy to clear the path for electoral manipulation.
Meanwhile, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, who cast his ballot at Polling Unit 002, Ward 3, Ita-Osanyin in Iperu, hailed the orderly conduct of the poll. Speaking after voting, the governor praised INEC’s preparations, the efficiency of the process, and the peaceful atmosphere at the polling stations. He also commended the impressive voter turnout, calling it a demonstration of citizens’ willingness to take ownership of the democratic process.
The by-election in Remo Federal Constituency has been closely watched amid heightened political rivalry and accusations of foul play.
