The Ekiti State governorship election took a violent turn on Saturday at Unit 4, Ward 2, Ilawe-Ekiti, when supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) engaged in a physical confrontation. The altercation was reportedly sparked by accusations of vote buying, leading to the hospitalization of an ADC backer who suffered a head wound.
Dare Bejide, the ADC gubernatorial candidate, cast his ballot at the affected polling unit and later alleged that political forces were trying to undermine the electoral process by distributing cash in the area. He claimed that the arrival of cash meant for voters provoked a clash when his supporters attempted to halt the practice.
According to Bejide, an APC chieftain drove to the scene in a Toyota Jeep, allegedly carrying money to hand out to voters. This, he said, ignited the chaos. He further asserted that his aide was assaulted by security personnel brought in by the opposing camp, necessitating immediate medical attention.
The ADC candidate reported that the presence of cash at the voting center had been flagged to security authorities, but the situation still spiraled into disorder and fear among residents. Despite the outbreak of violence, Bejide praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials for their professionalism, noting that the election had been progressing smoothly until the incident.
He remarked that the electoral staff had been diligent, and everything was on track before the pandemonium. Security reinforcements were later deployed, allowing voting to resume under heightened surveillance, though tensions remained palpable at the unit.