Osun election: ADC’s Najeem whisked away after violence at his polling unit

Violence disrupted voting at a polling unit in Ejigbo, Osun State, Nigeria, on Saturday, forcing the evacuation of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Najeem Salaam. The incident occurred at Unit 003, Iroyin Ayo Open Space, Ward 004, shortly after Salaam and his wife cast their ballots.

The disturbance caused widespread panic, prompting voters, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, observers, and journalists to flee the area. As the situation escalated, Salaam was escorted away by his security operatives for his safety. The ensuing chaos led to the suspension of voting, with electoral officials departing the polling unit amid concerns for their security.

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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

Personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrived later to restore order but eventually left as the tension persisted. Voters expressed frustration over their inability to exercise their civic rights. One voter, Adewale, stated he arrived early but could not vote due to the crisis, and that INEC officials and security personnel had left. Another anonymous voter lamented that the disruption prevented many residents from voting, despite waiting since morning.

As of the time of reporting, voting remained suspended at the polling unit. Some voters lingered, awaiting further information on whether the electoral exercise would resume.

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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