ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Voting was disrupted at the polling unit of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Najeem Salaam, in Ejigbo, Osun State, on Saturday after violence erupted shortly after he cast his ballot, Vanguard reports.
The incident occurred at Unit 003, Iroyin Ayo Open Space, Ward 004, where Salaam had voted alongside his wife.
The outbreak of violence triggered panic among voters, electoral officials, observers and journalists, many of whom fled the polling area for safety.
As the situation worsened, Salaam was evacuated from the scene by his security personnel.
The development also forced officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to abandon the polling unit, bringing voting to an abrupt halt amid concerns over their safety.
READ ALSO Adeleke Defies Pressure As Osun Poll Tensions Deepen
Personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) later arrived at the location in an attempt to restore calm.
However, the security personnel eventually left as tension persisted at the polling unit.
A voter, Adewale, said he arrived early to cast his ballot but was unable to do so after the violence broke out.
He said, “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.”
Another voter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the disruption had prevented several residents from exercising their franchise.
“As of the time of filing this report, voting remained suspended at the polling unit, with some voters waiting to know whether electoral activities would resume.”