DISCOURSE: Allegations of Vote-Buying Scandals, Arrests Taint Nigeria’s By-Elections 2025

By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi August 18, 2025

On August 16, 2025, Nigeria conducted by-elections across 12 states to fill 16 vacant legislative seats, including federal constituencies, state constituencies, and senatorial districts. Organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the polls spanned 32 Local Government Areas, 356 Registration Areas, 6,987 Polling Units, and engaged 3.6 million registered voters. However, there were allegations of vote-buying, arrests of political figures and INEC officials, and accusations of bias, particularly in Ogun and Kaduna States.

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As it stands now, sadly, all political parties cheat, rig elections and try to outdo each other in these inglorious activities of vote buying, thuggery, blackmail and intimidation that has taken the toga of a new normal in every election circle. Little wonder, a Canadian court, in a recent ruling labelled the APC and PDP terrorists organizations. That’s a case for another day.

In Ogun State, the by-election for the Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency was allegedly disrupted by the arrests of Abayomi Tella, the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), two INEC officials, Toryem Joe-Stans and Ms. Mandara Aminat, and others for suspected vote-buying. The arrests occurred in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area.

According to eye witness report, in the early hours of August 16 at 12:45 AM, police intercepted a Mitsubishi Spacewagon (registration: Lagos AKD 887 HT) and discovered N2.5 million in cash with the INEC officer Joe-Stans, who on interrogation reportedly admitted to collecting the money from an individual known as “Political Solution” at Kehoy Hotel, following instructions from his supervisor.

A viral video circulating online showed the suspects, including Tella, being questioned by security personnel. Tella denied involvement, stating, “I don’t know anything about this money you’re talking about,” but one of the INEC official claimed the cash collection was directed by a superior. The Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed the arrests and transferred the suspects to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran for further investigation. The Police spokesperson Omolola Odutola later clarified that Tella was not linked to the N2.5 million seizure and urged the public to await the investigation’s outcome.

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The PDP in Ogun State condemned the “commando-style” arrest as an attempt to suppress the opposition, alleging that security operatives favored the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking to Press later, Asiwaju Akinloye Bankole, the PDP’s media director, said Tella was detained at 3:30 AM while resting in his hotel room and accused authorities of targeting PDP supporters while allowing APC operatives to move freely. The party demanded Tella’s release and threatened legal action if the election was was compromised.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, voting at PU 002, Ward 3, Ita-Osanyin, Iperu, praised INEC’s preparations and described the polls as peaceful with strong voter turnout, though the PDP’s claims of voter intimidation challenged this assessment.

In Kaduna State, the by-elections were similarly marred by allegations of electoral misconduct. Security operatives, including the police and Department of State Services, arrested PDP chieftain Shehu Aliyu Pantagi with N25.9 million in cash, suspected for vote-buying. In a swift response, Kaduna PDP chairman Sir Edward Percy Masha defended Pantagi, stating the funds were for election logistics, not voter inducement, and accused the APC-led state government of using security agencies to target opposition members. Masha also reported that the campaign office of PDP candidate Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency was raided the previous day, with several officials, including the state publicity secretary and youth leader, arrested. On election day, Masha claimed Dawaki and 25 supporters were abducted by security forces, escalating tensions.

While controversies surrounding the conduct rages, unverified reports on online platforms like X indicate the following wins: the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo and Kaduna States, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State (possibly Ibadan North), and the APC in Ogun State. These preliminary results were later announced as corrected.

Public frustration with Nigeria’s electoral system is no longer an item on credibility menu as citizens decry persistent vote-buying. One X post stated, “Politicians keep tarnishing Nigeria’s image in the international community. Must we bribe voters?” Another noted, “Both APC and PDP are undergoing vote-buying process,” reflecting widespread discontent. Election monitoring group KDI reported that 3.6 million voters participated and encouraged reporting of malpractices with specific details to aid investigations.

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