In an exclusive interview with Hero Magazine, Mr. Oladapo Omojola Ranti, a staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has shared the chilling account of how he was kidnapped and his house set ablaze after rejecting a ₦15 million bribe during the Akoko Federal Constituency Bye-Election held on February 3, 2024.
Mr. Ranti, who served as the Returning Officer in the election, explained that he came under intense pressure from some stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to manipulate the results. His refusal to compromise, he said, provoked a series of threat calls before and after the election.
The bye-election was conducted following the appointment of Honourable Bunmi Tunji-Ojo as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which left the Akoko Federal Constituency seat vacant.
“Before and after the election, I received numerous threatening calls from individuals demanding that I alter the results in their favour. I refused because my duty was to protect the truth and ensure credibility,” Mr. Ranti told Hero Magazine.
According to him, the threats escalated to the point that friends and family members began calling to warn that some individuals were planning to burn down his house. In fear for their safety, he moved his family to his aunty’s residence shortly before the incident occurred.
Despite his precaution, unknown assailants eventually attacked and set his house ablaze on February 5, 2024, just two days after the election. The incident was reported to the police on February 6, 2024.
“They carried out their threat. My house was burnt down, and I lost everything. Not long after, I was kidnapped. It was a terrifying experience, but I am thankful to be alive,” he recounted.
Mr. Ranti described the entire ordeal as deeply traumatic and appealed to relevant authorities to ensure justice and protection for INEC officials who risk their lives to uphold democratic integrity.
As of the time of this report, the Independent National Electoral Commission has yet to release an official statement on the matter. However, the courage displayed by Mr. Ranti has continued to draw public commendation, with many describing him as a symbol of honesty and resilience in Nigeria’s electoral system
