(DDM) – Chaos erupted at the Ozolua Model Primary School polling unit in Iguobazuwa East Ward, Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State, as angry voters descended on a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agent accused of hoarding Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Eyewitnesses told DDM that the incident happened on Saturday, August 16, 2025, during the ongoing Edo governorship election.
The voters alleged that the PDP agent had withheld PVCs belonging to several individuals who came out to exercise their franchise.
Frustrated by the delay, the crowd reportedly confronted the agent and soon turned violent.
He was beaten and manhandled before police officers deployed to the unit intervened to save him from further harm.
Security operatives quickly whisked him away from the polling area to restore order.
One intending voter, visibly angry, told reporters that the man had deliberately held onto voter cards to manipulate the election process.
He accused the agent of attempting to disenfranchise eligible citizens who had waited in line since early morning.
According to the voter, such an action was provocative and unacceptable in a democratic process.
DDM gathered that voting materials had arrived at the polling station as early as 7 am, which encouraged large turnout of voters.
However, the clash over withheld PVCs disrupted the otherwise smooth exercise.
The development has heightened fears of violence and intimidation, which have long been recurring features in Nigerian elections.
Political analysts note that the Edo governorship election has been fiercely contested, with the PDP, APC, and Labour Party all fielding strong candidates.
Incidents like this, they argue, undermine the credibility of the process and deepen public mistrust in the electoral system.
Nigeria’s elections have consistently been marred by irregularities such as ballot box snatching, vote buying, and voter suppression.
Civil society groups had earlier warned that the conduct of party agents and security agencies would be crucial in determining whether the Edo poll is free and fair.
INEC has repeatedly emphasized that party agents must operate strictly within the law and avoid any action capable of jeopardizing public confidence in the process.
The hoarding of PVCs, if confirmed, would constitute a grave electoral offence under Nigerian law.
Meanwhile, the police have assured that investigations are ongoing and that anyone found culpable will face prosecution.
Voters at Iguobazuwa, however, expressed disappointment that such acts could still occur in 2025 despite years of advocacy for electoral reform.
They maintained that all they wanted was a credible election where their votes would count without manipulation.
As the Edo election continues, observers and security agencies are monitoring closely to prevent further escalation of violence.
The Iguobazuwa incident has already gone viral on social media, sparking widespread condemnation of electoral malpractice and calls for urgent accountability.
For many Nigerians, the episode serves as another reminder of the urgent need for political parties to rein in their agents and allow democracy to thrive.
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