Chaos broke out on Saturday at Unit 4, Ward 2, Ilawe-Ekiti in Ekiti South-West Local Government Area during the governorship election, as supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) clashed over alleged vote-buying.
The incident occurred shortly after the ADC governorship candidate, Dare Bejide, voted at the polling unit.
Bejide alleged that some political actors attempted to distribute cash within the polling area and claimed that a prominent APC figure arrived in a Toyota Jeep with money allegedly intended for voters.
The confrontation reportedly escalated into a physical altercation, leaving an ADC supporter with a head injury. The candidate also claimed that his driver was attacked during the fracas and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
“My driver was attacked and injured. He is presently undergoing treatment in the hospital. This is unfortunate and unacceptable in a democratic setting,” Bejide said.
He further alleged that APC leaders in Ilawe-Ekiti mobilised thugs to intimidate opponents and influence voters, actions he said were capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.
Bejide called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to investigate the allegations and ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
He also urged electoral officials and security operatives to remain vigilant to prevent further disruption of the process.
Despite the disruption, the ADC candidate commended the conduct of electoral officials, noting that voting continued after the situation was brought under control.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
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