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Violence, Vote-buying, Low Turnout, Disrupt By-Elections In Multiple States.
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Arrests made in Ogun, Kaduna and Kano over cash and weapons.
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Enugu poll fails again, while Anambra records peaceful voting
Violence, vote-buying and voter intimidation marred Saturday’s by-elections across several states, raising concerns over electoral credibility.
The polls, organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission to fill vacant senatorial and House of Representatives seats, recorded low turnout despite 3.5 million registered voters across 12 states.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in Ogun State, security operatives arrested the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Abayomi Tella, alongside two other chieftains and two INEC officials allegedly involved in vote-buying. Large sums of cash were recovered, sparking outrage.
The PDP condemned the arrests as intimidation, accusing security agencies of working in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress. The exercise was also marred by sporadic shootings, ballot box snatching, and intimidation of opposition members in parts of Remo, Sagamu and Ikenne.
In Kaduna, police and DSS operatives arrested a suspect, Shehu Patangi, with N25.9 million in cash allegedly meant to bribe voters. While security agencies said the suspect confessed, the PDP dismissed the allegation, insisting the money was for allowances of its accredited polling agents.
In Kano, no fewer than 288 thugs were arrested with weapons as they attempted to disrupt voting in Shanono, Bagwai and Ghari constituencies. The APC later called for the cancellation of the elections, citing widespread violence and intimidation that forced voters to abandon polling units.
In Enugu, the South Urban Constituency by-election failed for the fourth time as voting could not commence due to missing sensitive materials. Tension grew as political interference stalled the process, leaving the constituency seat vacant.
Meanwhile, in Anambra, Governor Chukwuma Soludo expressed satisfaction with INEC’s conduct during the Anambra South Senatorial by-election, though he accused APC thugs of attacking the state Commissioner for Environment.
The elections highlight persistent challenges of vote-buying, violence and poor logistics undermining Nigeria’s democratic process.
