Police arrested an Accord Party lawmaker during the Osun State governorship election over allegations connected to Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), according to reports on Saturday.
The arrest came as voters headed to polling units across Osun State to elect a governor. Security agencies had stepped up operations across the state amid concerns about vote buying and other electoral offences.
Reports indicated that the lawmaker was taken into custody alongside other suspects as police investigated allegations involving a large number of PVCs. The authorities are expected to continue their investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the case and whether any electoral laws were violated.
The development adds to the tension surrounding the high-profile Osun governorship election, which has been closely watched because of its potential political significance ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
Police had previously carried out arrests and investigations over alleged vote-buying and the possession of election-related materials ahead of the poll. In late July, Osun police said they recovered cash, voter cards and voter registers during an operation involving the state government’s Secretary to the State Government and other suspects. Police said those investigations focused on allegations including vote buying and criminal conspiracy.
Ahead of the election, political parties also traded accusations over alleged attempts to influence voters through financial inducements and the collection or use of PVC information. Reports had highlighted growing concerns about vote buying and other forms of voter inducement in the state.
The Accord Party and other political actors have previously challenged some arrests, with party members alleging that security operations were politically motivated. Police, however, have maintained that their responsibility is to investigate suspected offences and enforce the law without fear or favour.
As voting continued, President Bola Tinubu urged Osun residents to cast their ballots peacefully and without fear. He said voters should be free to choose their preferred candidates, while security agencies were expected to maintain order and protect the electoral process.
The arrest of the lawmaker has further drawn attention to the issue of election integrity in Osun. PVC-related allegations are particularly sensitive because voter cards are central to the electoral process, and any suspected attempt to improperly control, collect or use them can raise serious concerns about whether voters are able to exercise their rights freely.
Authorities are expected to provide further details as investigations continue. Until then, the allegations remain subject to investigation, and any final determination of wrongdoing will depend on the outcome of the legal and investigative process.
