PDP, INEC Officials Arrested with Cash in Ogun Hotel Amid Vote-Buying Allegations, Party Cries Intimidation

Security agents have arrested officials of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and two staff members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at a hotel in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, over allegations of vote buying during the ongoing Remo Federal Constituency by-election. A viral video circulating on social media showed the suspects being interrogated, with reports claiming they were found with a large sum of money allegedly meant for influencing votes.

According to the security operative seen in the video, the arrest followed an intelligence tipoff that the INEC officials had received cash from the PDP members. The male INEC officer admitted he was instructed by his supervisor to collect the money, while one of the PDP officials denied involvement, claiming ignorance of the cash. The arrest has since stirred controversy, especially as the timing occurred just ahead of the election.

In response, the PDP described the arrest as an act of political intimidation aimed at suppressing opposition participation in the by-election. The party’s Director of Media and Communications, Asiwaju Akinloye Bankole, claimed the arrest of their state officer around 3:30 a.m. was carried out in a “commando-style” raid, insisting that no electoral materials or large sums were found in his possession—only ₦100,000 in cash. He argued that the arrested party official had no ties to the detained INEC staff.

While condemning the incident as part of a broader plan to disenfranchise PDP members, the party demanded the immediate release of its official and urged authorities to uphold democratic principles. The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed that the matter is under investigation but declined to provide further details pending the outcome of inquiries.