Osun Election: Violence Erupts in Ejigbo as Thugs Disrupt Voting at ADC Candidate’s Polling Unit

Pandemonium broke out in Ejigbo Local Government Area during the Osun State governorship election after a suspected political thug and his associates invaded the polling unit of African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Najeem Salam, disrupting the voting exercise and damaging property.

Witnesses and video footage from the scene showed voters, electoral agents, and residents fleeing in panic as attackers stormed the location. Several voters were forced to scale perimeter fences to escape the sudden outbreak of violence, while nearby vehicles suffered significant damage during the melee. Concerned residents expressed deep frustration over the destruction, questioning why a peaceful democratic process had degenerated into intimidation and physical assault.

The violent disruption in Ejigbo comes amid broader security concerns across the state. In a separate statement after casting his vote in Ede North, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke raised alarms regarding alleged attempts to compromise the electoral process. Adeleke called on the Inspector General of Police and top security officials to monitor key areas closely, alleging that external security operatives had been brought into the state to bypass standard ward and local government collation procedures.

The attacks at high-profile polling stations have heightened calls from political stakeholders and civil society groups for law enforcement agencies to step up patrols, secure voting centers, and protect citizens attempting to exercise their constitutional franchise. Security forces and officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are under growing pressure to maintain order and ensure the integrity of the remaining voting and collation processes.