Bales of cashSecurity operatives uncover suspected electoral malpractice in Iperu-Remo as INEC staff and party members face interrogation.
A major drama unfolded in Ogun State on Saturday as security operatives arrested some individuals suspected to be officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) alongside a politician, over alleged plans to buy votes during the ongoing by-election.
The suspects were reportedly picked up at a popular hotel in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area, following a tip-off that they had a large sum of money meant for influencing voters.
In a viral video circulating on social media, two individuals identified as INEC staff, a man and a woman were seen squatting while being interrogated by security agents. Alongside them were some alleged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), further fueling suspicion of collusion between party officials and electoral officers.
The security officer interrogating the group revealed that intelligence reports had earlier indicated that the INEC staff were contacted by party officials and handed a substantial amount of money for vote-buying activities.
The development has raised fresh concerns about the credibility of the electoral process in Ogun State, with many citizens expressing outrage over what they described as a threat to democracy. While investigations are ongoing, the incident has once again brought to the fore the recurring issue of vote buying in Nigerian elections.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the arrest, but pressure is mounting on both the electoral commission and security agencies to ensure a transparent probe and prosecute those found culpable.
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