The Ondo State Police Command apprehended two persons on Wednesday over their alleged involvement in the illegal registration of members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the party’s governorship primaries scheduled for April 20.
The suspects were caught in possession of the APC’s registration booklets, a list containing the names of purported party members from Ward 7 in Ondo, and passport photographs of various individuals.
According to the police, the arrest took place at the residence of one Ariyo, a transporter based in Ondo town, the headquarters of the Ondo West Local Government Area in the state.
Prior to the arrest, concerns were raised by seven governorship aspirants under the APC regarding alleged moves to produce fake membership cards with the aim of influencing the outcome of the forthcoming primaries.
Providing details on the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo State, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, stated that the suspects were apprehended following a tip-off received by detectives.
Odunlami-Omisanya added that police had begun conducting investigations into the matter to ascertain the extent of the illicit activities and identify any accomplices involved.
“Two suspects have been arrested and are assisting the police with the necessary information to apprehend others involved in this cynicism.
“Commissioner of Police Abayomi Oladipo admonishes all political aspirants to caution their supporters whose acts can stir the hornet’s nest in the state.
“The CP also ordered a total clampdown on incendiaries no matter whose ox is gored, as the Command has spread its tentacles to all nooks and crannies of the state to ensure safety of lives and property and peaceful conduct of the party primaries in the state,” she said.
