More than 100 persons allegedly brought into Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election have reportedly been arrested by security operatives.
The individuals were said to be in possession of newly issued Permanent Voter Cards, raising questions about their presence in the state and the circumstances surrounding the issuance and possession of the cards.
According to reports, the suspected voters were accommodated at the residence of one Hon. Abiola Ibrahim, identified as a member of the Accord Party.
The reported arrests occurred amid heightened security operations across Osun State as security agencies intensified surveillance of political activities and electoral processes ahead of and during the governorship election.
Details surrounding how the individuals arrived in the state, who allegedly facilitated their movement and whether they were registered voters in Osun remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
The identity of the security agency that reportedly carried out the arrests was also not immediately confirmed. There was equally no official information on whether the individuals had been formally charged with any electoral offence.
The development comes amid concerns over alleged attempts by political actors to influence the outcome of the closely contested governorship election.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Accord Party is seeking re-election, while the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and other candidates are also contesting the poll.
Security agencies have maintained a strong presence across the state as part of efforts to prevent electoral offences, maintain public order and ensure a peaceful and credible election.
Authorities are expected to provide further clarification on the reported arrests, including the identities of those taken into custody and the circumstances surrounding their possession of the Permanent Voter Cards.
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