Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
Violence broke out at Ward 13, Polling Unit 23 in Abeokuta South Local Government Area during Saturday’s local government elections when suspected thugs allegedly loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) disrupted the process, chasing away agents of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Eyewitnesses reported that the thugs pushed PDP members out of the area and engaged in altercations with those who resisted. Voters momentarily stepped away from the queue to observe the commotion before resuming their positions.
Meanwhile, a visit by our correspondent to several polling units in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, revealed delays in the electoral process. Between 9:20 a.m. and 11:20 a.m., officials of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) were yet to arrive at some polling booths, leaving voters waiting and loitering around their respective units.
At a polling unit near Agoba Central Mosque, the APC chairmanship candidate for Abeokuta South LGA, Hon. Afeez Balogun, intervened to restore peace. Balogun urged all parties to allow the voting process to proceed without further disruptions.
After casting his vote, Balogun addressed journalists, acknowledging delays in the arrival of electoral materials but describing the overall exercise as peaceful. He expressed gratitude for the massive voter turnout and confidence in his chances of victory.
“Large turnout of voters this time around—we thank the participants for their commitment. I applaud our campaign process because the message was clear: we have something tangible to offer. That’s why they came out to embrace and vote for us. Eventually and hopefully, we will secure victory,” he said.
Balogun attributed the delays to “natural causes” and assured voters that his administration would prioritize their needs and improve the fortunes of Abeokuta South if elected.
Despite the early tensions, the election process continued, with voters eager to exercise their civic duties amid heightened security.