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 but eventually left as the situation remained tense.
A voter identified as Adewale said he was unable to vote despite arriving early at the polling unit.
Adewale said he had arrived early with the intention of voting and returning home, but was forced to leave when the crisis started. He added that the INEC officials and security personnel had also left the polling unit, leaving voters uncertain about what would happen next.
Another voter, who spoke anonymously, said the disruption had prevented several residents from exercising their civic rights.
The voter said residents had been at the polling unit since morning to cast their ballots, but the election could no longer be conducted after the security situation deteriorated. The voter added that the security personnel who arrived to restore order had also left.
As of the time of filing this report, voting remained suspended at the polling unit, while some voters stayed behind awaiting information on whether the exercise would resume.
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