The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam, was whisked away by his security operatives after violence erupted at his polling unit in Ejigbo, Osun State, on Saturday.
The incident occurred at Unit 003, Iroyin Ayo Open Space, Ward 004, shortly after Salaam and his wife cast their ballots.
The disturbance caused panic at the polling unit, forcing voters, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, observers and journalists to flee the area.
As the situation escalated, Salaam was taken away by his security details for safety.
The disruption subsequently brought voting to a halt, with electoral officials leaving the polling unit amid concerns over their safety.
Personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) later arrived at the scene to restore order. However, they eventually left after the situation remained tense.
A voter identified as Adewale said he was unable to vote despite arriving early at the polling 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,” he said.
Another voter, who spoke anonymously, said the disruption prevented several residents from exercising 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.
As of the time of filing the report, voting remained suspended at the polling unit, while some voters stayed behind awaiting information on whether the exercise would resume.
