OSUN POLL: SECURITY OPERATIVES INTERCEPT LAWMAKER WITH 146 VOTERS CARDS IN IKIRE
Read Time:2 Minute, 6 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
Security operatives have intercepted a member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Abiola Ibrahim, after he was found with a large group of people described as intending voters at a private residence in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, during Saturday’s governorship election.
A video circulating on social media showed armed and uniformed police officers questioning the lawmaker at the residence, which Ibrahim identified as belonging to his late father, Raji Ibrahim.
The people at the property, said to number about 146, were seen seated on the floor as security operatives questioned the lawmaker about their presence at the location on election day.
When asked why the group had gathered at the residence, Ibrahim told the officers that they were voters participating in the ongoing governorship election.
“They are voters for the election happening today,” the lawmaker said.
The security operatives subsequently questioned whether the people gathered at the residence were registered voters residing within the Ikire community.
Ibrahim acknowledged that the group comprised both residents of the area and people from outside the community.
“Some of them are, some of them are indigenes from outside. I did not hire them. I did not promise anything,” he explained.
The officers also questioned Ibrahim about the political affiliation of those gathered and whether he was mobilising them in support of a particular candidate.
The lawmaker, who confirmed that he belongs to the Accord Party, said the individuals were free to decide whom to vote for.
“Voting is their choice. I’m not their agent,” he responded.
Footage from the scene also showed security personnel holding Permanent Voter Cards reportedly belonging to some members of the group.
The incident occurred amid heightened security operations across Osun State as voters participate in the governorship election.
The police had warned political actors and other stakeholders against electoral malpractice, voter intimidation, thuggery and other offences capable of undermining the credibility of the election.
Ahead of the poll, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ishyaku Mohammed to coordinate security operations in the state.
The circumstances surrounding the gathering and the purpose of the voters’ presence at the residence were not independently established at the time of filing this report.
There was also no immediate indication from the footage that Ibrahim or any member of the group had been formally arrested or charged with an electoral offence.
See video below:
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