More than 100 suspected “imported” voters have been arrested by security operatives in Osun State as voters cast ballots Saturday in the governorship election.
The suspected voters were reportedly found at the residence of Abiola Ibrahim, a member of the Osun State House of Assembly representing Irewole-Isokan Constituency.
Reports said the group was carrying newly issued Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and had been staying at the lawmaker’s residence ahead of the election.
A video circulating on social media showed security operatives questioning the people about their presence at the residence and their alleged role in the election.
During the questioning, Ibrahim reportedly acknowledged that the group had been staying at his home and said they were there to vote for the Accord Party.
The arrests come amid heightened political tension in Osun, with political parties trading accusations of intimidation, arrests, violence and other alleged electoral irregularities.
The Accord Party has previously complained about what it described as the targeting of its members and supporters by security agencies.
Its national chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, alleged in a recent petition that more than 60 party members and supporters had been arrested and detained in Abuja and Nasarawa State.
The party also alleged that at least 29 people had been killed in incidents linked to the election.
Those claims have not been independently verified.
The Independent National Electoral Commission scheduled the Osun governorship election for Saturday, Aug. 15, with voters across the state choosing the governor for the next term.
Some local governments have recorded high voter turnouts, especially in Ede North, the hometown of the incumbent governor Ademola Adeleke.
The arrests add to concerns over the credibility and security of the poll, which has been closely watched because of the intense contest among the major political parties.
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