A supporter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been injured and hospitalized following a clash between supporters of the ADC and the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the governorship election in Ekiti State on Saturday June 20.
The incident occurred at Polling Unit 4, Ward 2, in Ilawe-Ekiti, where tensions flared over allegations of vote buying which briefly disrupted the voting process.
ADC governorship candidate Dare Bejide, who cast his vote at the polling unit, alleged that some individuals attempted to influence voters through the distribution of cash near the voting centre.
According to Bejide, the situation escalated after his supporters confronted those allegedly involved in the act.
He claimed that an APC leader arrived at the location in a Toyota vehicle carrying money intended for voters, triggering a confrontation among party supporters.
The ADC candidate further alleged that security personnel became involved during the dispute, leading to violence that left one of his aides injured.
“One of my aides was attacked and has been taken to the hospital for treatment,” Bejide said while condemning the incident.
He stated that the alleged movement of cash around the polling area had been reported to security agencies, adding that the development created panic and disorder among voters.
Despite the unrest, Bejide commended officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their conduct, noting that voting had progressed peacefully before the disturbance.
He said calm was eventually restored following the deployment of additional security personnel, allowing the exercise to continue under close monitoring, although tension remained noticeable around the polling unit.
