Tension flared at Polling Unit 4, Ward 2, in Ilawe Ekiti on Saturday after supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) clashed over allegations of vote buying during the ongoing governorship election.
The ADC governorship candidate, Dare Bejide, who voted at the polling unit, accused some politicians of attempting to distribute money to voters but claimed the effort was thwarted.
According to him, an APC chieftain arrived near the polling unit in a Toyota Jeep allegedly carrying a large amount of cash intended for distribution. He said the development sparked a heated argument that later degenerated into a fight.
During the fracas, one ADC supporter reportedly sustained a head injury and was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
Speaking after the incident, Bejide alleged that a woman had brought money to the area in a sack before she was confronted.
“One of them brought money here in a sack, but we intercepted her. She later called the council chairman, who came to the scene. In trying to defend themselves, they accused ADC members of also sharing money, but they couldn’t identify anyone,” he said.
He further alleged that security personnel attached to some politicians assaulted one of his aides during the commotion.
“You can see one of my aides was beaten. He has been taken to the hospital for treatment,” Bejide added.
Despite the incident, the ADC candidate commended officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their conduct.
“The electoral officers have been professional and the process has been smooth. When there was tension here earlier, some people fled as soon as they noticed journalists with cameras,” he said.
Voting continued at the polling unit after calm was restored.
