Ogun Police Probe Alleged Arrest of PDP Chairman, INEC Officials Over Vote-Buying

The Ogun State Police Command says it is investigating the alleged arrest of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman in the state, Abayomi Tella, alongside two staff members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), over suspected vote-buying in the ongoing Remo Federal Constituency by-election.

The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, disclosed this on Saturday while reacting to a viral video circulating online. The footage purportedly showed Tella, INEC officials Toryem Joe-Stans and Mandara Amina Mamman, and several others being apprehended with a large sum of money.

“We are investigating the matter, that’s how much I can say for now. You may please call back later in the day for further information,” Ogunlowo told reporters.

The voice in the viral video alleged that the INEC officials were compromised while deployed for election duties. According to the narration, the officials were “found hobnobbing with politicians,” and a huge amount of money was discovered on one of them, who claimed he had been instructed by his Constituency Supervisor to meet with a politician.

The speaker further alleged that the suspects had begun giving the police “useful information,” claiming the money originated from individuals lodged at a hotel in Iperu Remo, including Jonathan, Akeem Oyinlola, and Tella.

However, Tella, who appeared in the video, denied any link to the money. “I don’t know anything about this money you’re talking about and I am still waiting for you (the police) to tell me why I am here,” the PDP Chairman stated.

As of press time, neither INEC nor the PDP had officially reacted to the incident. The by-election in Remo Federal Constituency, which covers Ikenne, Remo North, and Sagamu, is being closely monitored amid heightened political tension.