Nigerian Police Force
By OLA MODUPE, Abeokuta –
In a dramatic turn of events during the Remo Federal Constituency by-election on August 16, 2025, the Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into the arrests of Abayomi Tella, the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with two Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and two others.
The arrests, which took place in Iperu-Remo, stem from allegations of vote-buying, fueled by a viral video circulating online that has sparked widespread controversy.
Commissioner of Police Lanre Ogunlowo addressed the media, confirming the ongoing probe.
“We are investigating the matter. That’s all I can say for now; please check back later for updates,” Ogunlowo stated, withholding further details pending the investigation’s outcome.
The arrests reportedly occurred after authorities found the suspects in possession of a large sum of money, suspected to be intended for influencing voters in the by-election.
The PDP, however, has fiercely denounced the arrests, calling them a deliberate act of intimidation orchestrated to undermine the opposition.
In a strongly worded statement, PDP Publicity Secretary Kayode Adebayo described the early-morning arrest of Tella at a hotel as “a calculated attempt to weaken the opposition.”
He warned that such actions set “a dangerous precedent” for democracy in the region, asserting, “The people of Sagamu, Remo North, and Ikenne know who they voted for, and we will not allow their democratic rights to be trampled upon.”
The PDP has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the role of security agencies in the election and called for the immediate release of Tella and other opposition members they claim were unjustly targeted.
Adebayo further appealed to Nigerians, civil society organizations, and the international community to take note of what he termed “this descent into lawlessness” in Ogun State.
“We remain committed to defending the people’s mandate and ensuring democracy thrives,” he declared, urging the people of Remo to stand firm in their pursuit of justice and fairness.
As the investigation unfolds, the controversy surrounding the arrests continues to cast a shadow over the Remo by-election, raising critical questions about electoral integrity and the role of security agencies in Nigeria’s democratic process.
