Security operatives on Saturday confronted a member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Abiola Ibrahim, after about 146 people were found gathered at a private residence in the Ikire area of the state during the ongoing governorship election.
A video of the incident, which surfaced on social media, showed armed policemen questioning the lawmaker at the property as voting got underway across the state.
Ibrahim, who represents the Irewole/Isokan Constituency, told the officers that the residence belonged to his late father, Raji Ibrahim.
The large group was seen seated on the floor inside the premises while the security personnel questioned the lawmaker about their presence at the location on election day.
When asked why the individuals had assembled at the residence, Ibrahim said they were voters participating in the governorship election.
“They are voters for the election happening today,” he told the officers.
The lawmaker, however, acknowledged that not all those present were from the Ikire community when security personnel asked whether they were registered voters from the area.
“Some of them are, some of them are indigenes from outside. I did not hire them. I did not promise anything,” Ibrahim said.
The officers also sought clarification on whether the gathering was connected to political mobilisation or intended to support a particular candidate.
In response, Ibrahim said the decision on whom to vote for rested with the individuals, adding that he was not acting as their agent.
“Voting is their choice. I’m not their agent,” he said, while identifying himself as a member of the Accord Party.
The footage also showed the security operatives with several Permanent Voter Cards reportedly belonging to members of the group.
The development comes against the backdrop of heightened security measures across Osun State as authorities seek to prevent electoral offences, voter inducement, intimidation and unlawful mobilisation during the governorship poll.
Ahead of the election, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ishyaku Mohammed to coordinate security operations in the state.
The police authorities had also warned politicians, supporters and other stakeholders against acts capable of disrupting the election, including voter intimidation, thuggery and other forms of electoral malpractice.
