Security operatives on Saturday confronted a member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Abiola Ibrahim, after a large number of people were found gathered at a private residence in the Ikire area of the state.
The incident happened in the early hours of Saturday as voting commenced in the Osun State governorship election.
A video circulating online showed armed police officers questioning Ibrahim at the property, which he identified as the residence of his late father, Raji Ibrahim.
About 146 people were reportedly at the residence and were seen seated on the floor while the security personnel questioned the lawmaker about their presence.
Asked why the people were gathered at the property on election day, Ibrahim told the officers that they were there to participate in the election.
“They are voters for the election happening today,” the lawmaker informed the officers on site.
The officers subsequently sought clarification on whether those present were registered voters from the Ikire community.
In response, Ibrahim admitted that the group included both residents of the area and people from outside the community.
“Some of them are, some of them are indigenes from outside. I did not hire them. I did not promise anything,” he explained.
The security personnel also questioned Ibrahim about the political affiliation of the voters and whether he was mobilising them for a particular candidate.
“Voting is their choice. I’m not their agent,” Ibrahim responded, while confirming that he is a member of the Accord Party.
The footage also showed security operatives holding Permanent Voter Cards, which Ibrahim identified as belonging to the people found at the residence.
The development occurred amid heightened security across Osun as authorities stepped up measures to prevent electoral malpractice, voter 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 and warned political actors against thuggery, voter intimidation and other electoral offences.
