The Kaduna State Police Command, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies, has arrested a suspected vote buyer and recovered N25.9 million cash ahead of Saturday’s by-elections.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Saturday.

He said operatives apprehended the suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu-Patangi, at about 3:30 a.m. in a hotel along Turunku Road, Kaduna metropolis.

“The recovered cash is strongly suspected to have been earmarked for inducing voters and compromising the electoral process,” Hassan stated.

Preliminary investigations, according to the police, revealed that the suspect planned to use the money to bribe eligible voters. Hassan added that Aliyu-Patangi confessed to the crime during interrogation and pleaded for leniency.

The Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, commended the synergy among security agencies in safeguarding the polls, warning that anyone attempting to undermine the electoral process would face the full weight of the law.

The Command assured residents of adequate security before, during, and after the elections, urging citizens to vote peacefully and without fear.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Saturday cast his ballot in the Edo Central Senatorial by-election, raising concerns over the slow performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

The governor arrived at Ward 2, Unit 1, Udomi Primary School in Esan Central Local Government Area at about 9:45 a.m. and completed his accreditation process before voting at 9:52 a.m.

Speaking with journalists shortly after, Okpebholo described the process as peaceful but faulted the BVAS machines for causing unnecessary delays.

“Well, I just voted. You can see the frustration. The BVAS is just too slow. It takes too long before you can get accredited. I think INEC needs to look into this. So far, so good, the feelers I’m getting are good,” he said.

The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, who also voted at the same polling unit, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the peaceful conduct of the exercise and urged voters to defend their votes.

“This is my village, Udomi. So far, so good, the process has been smooth as people are coming out to vote. The agents are here, INEC is doing well. I urge the voters to vote well and stay to defend their votes as we are practicing democracy,” she stated.

Reports from polling units in Irrua and Uromi indicated that accreditation began around 8 a.m., with voters turning out early. At Eguare Primary School, Irrua, a voter, Mr. Frank Obehi, cast his ballot at 8:37 a.m. and described the process as smooth and peaceful.

The by-election is being conducted to fill the Edo Central senatorial seat left vacant following Okpebholo’s emergence as governor.

The former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, has declared his intention to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Tambuwal, who arrived Sokoto on Friday to a massive reception from supporters across Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states, accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of worsening Nigeria’s economic hardship, insecurity, and political instability.

He urged Nigerians to unite and mobilise for the removal of the APC in 2027, pledging that the ADC and its allies would work nationwide to achieve the goal.

“My message is simple: we must join forces to send APC packing in 2027. We will not be intimidated, we will not be silenced, and we will not allow the suffering of Nigerians to continue unchecked,” he said.

Political analysts described the crowd that welcomed him as a strategic show of strength ahead of the elections. The event drew party loyalists, women’s groups, and youth organisations, filling the streets with chants and banners.

Tambuwal also addressed his recent appearance before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), saying it was voluntary and dismissing allegations that he withdrew over ₦2 billion monthly from the Sokoto State Government account as “blatant lies.”

He questioned the basis of the allegations, noting that the state’s monthly allocation from the Federal Government was far less than the claimed amount.