Violence erupted at the polling unit of African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate Najeem Salaam in Ejigbo, Osun State, on Saturday, forcing his security operatives to evacuate him from the scene shortly after he and his wife had voted. The disturbance broke out at Unit 003, Iroyin Ayo Open Space, Ward 004, sending voters, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, accredited observers, and journalists running for safety.
Electoral Officials Abandon Unit, Voting Halts
According to Vanguard, electoral officials abandoned the unit entirely, bringing voting to a complete halt. Personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were deployed to the location to restore order. Both agencies eventually withdrew after the situation remained tense, leaving the polling unit without security cover.
Several residents who had arrived early to cast their ballots found themselves unable to vote as a result of the breakdown in order. A voter identified as Adewale described the frustration of those who had gathered at the unit.
"I came here early because I wanted to vote and return home. But after the crisis started, everybody ran away. Now the INEC officials and security men have left. We don't know what will happen next," Adewale said.
Voters Stranded, Election Suspended
A second voter, who declined to give their name, said the disruption had denied many residents the chance to exercise their civic rights. "We have been here since morning. We want to vote, but nobody is conducting the election anymore. The security people who came to restore order have also left," the voter said.
At the time this report was filed, voting at the unit remained suspended. A number of voters had stayed behind at the scene, uncertain whether the election exercise would be allowed to resume.
