#EdoDecides2024: Party Agents Arrested with Pre-Filled Result Sheets

Party agents from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been apprehended with pre-filled results sheets and ballot papers. The pre-filled documents, intended to manipulate election outcomes, were discovered by authorities and local news outlets.

It was revealed on Saturday that the fraudulent result sheets, hastily completed by the agents, were meant to be inserted into the official results, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.

Police Raids and Arrests

Earlier on Saturday, the Nigeria Police Force, in a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced that police operatives had conducted synchronized raids on identified black spots. These raids resulted in the arrest of two key suspects, Emotingham Godspower (25) and Farawei Isaac (27), both residents of Ufunama community in Ovia South West Local Government Area.

According to reports, the suspects were connected to a broader criminal network allegedly controlled by individuals identified as “Atiku” and a kingpin known as “the boss.” The arrests took place at So Cash guest house in Ekpoma, where authorities recovered a significant amount of cash, incriminating materials, and documents. Among the recovered items were pre-filled ballot papers, voters’ lists linked to monetary values, and fake identification cards.

Vote Buying and Intimidation

In a related operation, six additional suspects were arrested for engaging in vote buying. Those detained include Suleiman Abdurahim, Fatima Yakubu, Yusuf Aminat (52), Salihu Lukman (54), and Safianu Saratu (32). The group was apprehended at Aibotse Secondary School, near Meremu Hotel in Auchi, with a large sum of money, weapons, and a detailed plan for voter intimidation.

Authorities also arrested a fake journalist posing as an employee of a leading Nigerian television station, further exposing the lengths to which this criminal network was willing to go to influence the election.

These arrests highlight the growing concern over electoral malpractice, with many calling for increased vigilance and stricter security measures to ensure a fair and transparent election.