Osun election: Police question lawmaker over 146 voters found at private residence

Security operatives questioned a member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Abiola Ibrahim, after about 146 people described as intending voters were found gathered at a private residence in Ikire on Saturday.

The incident occurred as voting commenced across the state for the Osun State governorship election.

A video circulating on social media showed armed police officers questioning Ibrahim at the property, which he identified as the residence of his late father, Raji Ibrahim.

The people at the residence were seen seated on the floor as the security operatives sought an explanation for their presence.

Asked why the group was gathered at the property on election day, Ibrahim told the officers that they were there to vote.

“They are voters for the election happening today,” the lawmaker said.

When asked whether the individuals were registered voters from the Ikire area, Ibrahim acknowledged that the group included both residents 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 said.

The officers also questioned Ibrahim about the political affiliation of the voters and whether he was mobilising them for a particular candidate.

“Voting is their choice. I’m not their agent,” Ibrahim responded.

He, however, confirmed that he is a member of the Accord Party.

The footage also showed security personnel holding Permanent Voter Cards, which Ibrahim said belonged to members of the group.

The incident comes amid heightened security measures across Osun as authorities step up efforts to prevent voter intimidation, electoral malpractice and illegal mobilisation during 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 and warned political actors against thuggery, voter intimidation and other electoral offences.

The circumstances surrounding the gathering and whether any electoral offence was committed were not immediately established.