Security operatives have questioned a member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Abiola Ibrahim, after about 146 people said to be intending voters were discovered at a private residence in Ikire on Saturday.
The development occurred shortly after voting began across Osun State in the governorship election.
A video making the rounds on social media captured armed police officers questioning Ibrahim at the property, which he said was the residence of his late father, Raji Ibrahim.
The footage showed the individuals sitting on the floor while security personnel sought clarification from the lawmaker on why they were at the premises.
When asked why the group had assembled there on election day, Ibrahim explained that they had come to vote.
“They are voters for the election happening today,” the lawmaker said.
Responding to a question on whether the people were registered voters from Ikire, Ibrahim said the group comprised both residents of the area and individuals 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 security officers further sought to know the political affiliation of the individuals and whether Ibrahim was coordinating their movement in support of a particular candidate.
“Voting is their choice. I’m not their agent,” Ibrahim responded.
He nevertheless confirmed that he belongs to the Accord Party.
The video also showed security personnel in possession of Permanent Voter Cards, which Ibrahim identified as belonging to some of the people gathered at the residence.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of increased security deployment across Osun State as authorities intensify measures aimed at curbing voter intimidation, electoral malpractice and unlawful mobilisation during the poll.
Before the election, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu assigned Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ishyaku Mohammed to oversee security operations in the state and cautioned political actors against thuggery, voter intimidation and other electoral violations.
The reason for the gathering and whether the incident amounted to an electoral offence had not been conclusively established at the time of filing this report.
