Security operatives in Osun State have interrogated a member of the state House of Assembly, Abiola Ibrahim, after approximately 146 people were discovered gathered at a private residence in Ikire on Saturday, the day of the governorship election. The interrogation occurred in the early hours of August 15, as voting was underway across the state.
Police Confront Lawmaker at Late Father's Residence
Ibrahim, who represents Irewole/Isokan Constituency and is a member of the Accord party, was confronted by armed police officers at the residence. A video of the incident, circulating on social media, showed the lawmaker responding to questions from security personnel while the gathered voters were seen sitting on the floor inside the premises. Ibrahim identified the property as the residence of his late father, Raji Ibrahim.
When asked why such a large number of people were gathered on election day, the lawmaker said they had come to participate in the election. “They are voters for the election happening today,” Ibrahim informed the officers on site. The officers sought clarification on whether those gathered were registered voters from Ikire, prompting Ibrahim to acknowledge that the group included people from within and outside the community.
Lawmaker Denies Hiring or Promising Anything
“Some of them are, some of them are indigenes from outside. I did not hire them. I did not promise anything,” he explained. The interrogation also touched on the political affiliations of the individuals and whether Ibrahim was responsible for mobilising them in support of a particular candidate. “Voting is their choice. I’m not their agent,” Ibrahim responded, while confirming his membership of the Accord Party.
The footage also showed security personnel in possession of Permanent Voter Cards, which Ibrahim said belonged to the people gathered at the residence. The incident occurred amid heightened security across Osun State, with the Nigeria Police Force deploying senior officers for the election and warning against electoral malpractice, voter inducement and unlawful mobilisation.
Election Security Measures in Place
The police interrogation highlights the strict enforcement of electoral laws during the governorship election. The Nigeria Police Force had earlier announced the deployment of senior officers to ensure a peaceful and orderly voting process, with explicit warnings against any form of electoral malpractice. The gathering of 146 individuals at a private residence on election day raised immediate suspicion, leading to the swift intervention of security operatives.
As the investigation continues, the incident underscores the vigilance of security agencies in curbing potential electoral offences. The lawmaker's responses, as captured in the video, have been widely shared on social media, drawing public attention to the matter.
