Tension In Osun: Violence Erupts At Polling Unit, ADC Candidate Salaam Rushed Away

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Najeem Salaam, was reportedly whisked away by his security personnel on Saturday after violence erupted at his polling unit.

The incident occurred at Unit 003, Iroyin Ayo Open Space, Ward 004, Ejigbo, shortly after Salaam and his wife cast their votes.

The outbreak of violence reportedly caused INEC officials, voters, observers and journalists at the polling unit to flee for safety.

According to reports, Salaam was evacuated from the area by his security details as a precautionary measure following the escalation of the situation.

Voting was subsequently suspended at the polling unit, while electoral officials reportedly left the premises amid concerns for their safety.

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) later arrived at the scene in an attempt to restore calm.

However, the security personnel reportedly left the area after tensions remained high.

A voter identified as Adewale said he was unable to cast his ballot despite arriving at the polling unit early.

He said he had intended to vote and return home, but the outbreak of violence forced everyone to flee, leaving the polling unit without INEC officials and security personnel.

Another voter, who spoke anonymously, said the incident had prevented eligible voters from exercising their civic rights.

The voter explained that residents had been at the polling unit since the morning, hoping to vote, but the electoral process had stopped following the crisis.

The voter added that the security personnel who arrived to restore order had also left the area, leaving uncertainty over whether voting would resume.