PDP Leaders, INEC Officials, and Thugs Arrested as APC Demands Election Cancellation in Kano

Nigeria’s by-elections held across 12 states on Saturday were marred by vote-buying scandals, arrests of party officials, violent clashes, and even abductions, sparking fresh controversy in the nation’s political scene.

Ogun: PDP Leaders & INEC Staff Caught With Cash

In Ogun State, security operatives arrested officials of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alongside two INEC staff members at a hotel in Iperu-Remo. They were allegedly found with a large stash of cash suspected to be meant for vote buying.

A viral video captured one of the arrested INEC officials admitting that his supervisor instructed him to collect money from politicians. Meanwhile, the PDP officer denied any involvement, insisting he knew nothing about the funds.

Reacting to the incident, PDP’s Director of Media, Asiwaju Akinloye Bankole, described the arrest as a plot to intimidate party members. He insisted the officer had only ₦100,000 in his room and no election materials were found.

“This is part of a grand plan to scare our people and disenfranchise them,” Bankole alleged.

Kano: 288 Thugs Arrested, APC Calls for Cancellation

The situation in Kano State was even more chaotic. Police confirmed the arrest of 288 suspected thugs during the Bagwai/Shanono and Ghari/Tsanyawa constituency by-elections.

Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, said voters were too scared to come out as thugs carrying dangerous weapons disrupted the process.

In reaction, the All Progressives Congress (APC) demanded the immediate cancellation of the elections, citing widespread violence and disruption. APC spokesperson Felix Morka claimed security forces were overwhelmed and voters had to flee polling stations.

Kaduna: PDP Candidate & 25 Supporters Abducted

In Kaduna State, the PDP raised alarm over the abduction of its House of Representatives candidate, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, along with 25 supporters.

According to state chairman Sir Edward Percy Masha, security operatives stormed a hotel in Malali in an attempt to arrest the campaign council chairman. When they couldn’t find him, they allegedly whisked away Dawaki and her supporters instead.

More Vote Buying Allegations

Kaduna: A suspected vote buyer was arrested with almost ₦26 million in cash, allegedly meant to bribe voters.

Oyo: ADC candidate Femi Dexter Akin-Alamu accused rival parties of offering money and incentives to sway voters.

Anambra: The ruling APGA was accused of paying voters between ₦10,000 and ₦25,000 per person across several LGAs.

Despite tight security, Saturday’s by-elections were riddled with controversy, with major parties trading blame over electoral malpractice.