An unidentified supporter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was injured on Saturday following a violent altercation over alleged vote-buying during the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election in Ilawe-Ekiti.
The incident occurred at a polling unit after the ADC supporter reportedly challenged the alleged inducement of voters by supporters of another political party.
The confrontation quickly escalated when the man questioned the distribution of money to voters.
According to witnesses, he was immediately attacked by the suspected supporters of the rival candidate, leaving him with injuries before the situation spiralled into chaos.
Security personnel stationed at the polling unit were accused of failing to intervene as the assault unfolded.
Observers said the officers only responded after the victim had been injured and the disturbance had intensified.
The violence triggered panic at the polling unit, forcing journalists, election observers and some voters to flee the area for safety as the commotion disrupted the voting process.
The identity of the injured ADC supporter could not be immediately established, while the extent of his injuries was also unknown at the time of filing this report.
The incident adds to concerns over allegations of vote-buying and election-related violence in parts of the state despite repeated assurances by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies that adequate measures had been put in place to ensure a peaceful and credible governorship election.
(The Whistler)
