By Opeyemi Adelakun
Violence erupted at the polling unit of the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, Najeem Salaam, in Ejigbo, Osun State, on Saturday, forcing the candidate to leave the area under security protection and disrupting voting.
The incident occurred at Unit 003, Iroyin Ayo Open Space, Ward 004, shortly after Salaam and his wife cast their ballots during the Osun governorship election.
The disturbance reportedly triggered panic among voters, electoral officials, observers and journalists at the polling unit, with several people fleeing as the situation escalated.
Salaam was subsequently whisked away from the area by his security operatives amid concerns over his safety.
The disruption also forced INEC officials to leave the polling unit, bringing voting to a halt.
Security personnel from the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps later arrived at the scene in an attempt to restore order.
However, the security situation reportedly remained tense, with the personnel eventually leaving the area.
A voter identified as Adewale said he could not cast his ballot despite arriving early at the polling unit.
He said he had gone to the centre with the intention of voting and returning home but was forced to leave after the violence broke out.
According to him, the departure of INEC officials and security personnel left voters uncertain about whether voting would resume.
Another voter, who spoke anonymously, said the disruption had prevented several residents from exercising their franchise.
The voter said residents had gathered at the polling unit since morning but could no longer vote after the security situation deteriorated.
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