Osun Election: APC, Accord Supporters Clash at Deputy Governor’s Polling Unit

There was a brief disruption on Saturday at the polling unit of Osun State Deputy Governor and Accord Party deputy governorship candidate, Prince Kola Adewusi, in Ile-Ife, following a confrontation between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party.

The incident occurred after the APC deputy governorship candidate, Benjamin Kayode Adereti, arrived at the polling unit where Adewusi was voting.

Both deputy governorship candidates of the two leading contenders in the election are from Ile-Ife.

Adereti had earlier cast his ballot at his designated polling unit, Waasin Polling Unit 11, Ilaare Ward 3, before proceeding to Adewusi’s polling location.

His arrival reportedly drew objections from some supporters of Adewusi who were already at the polling unit.

The disagreement subsequently escalated into heated exchanges between the supporters, creating tension and briefly disrupting the otherwise peaceful atmosphere at the voting centre.

The confrontation did not reportedly escalate into a prolonged physical disturbance, as calm was eventually restored at the polling unit.

The reason for Adereti’s visit to Adewusi’s polling location was not immediately clear as of the time of filing this report.

The development occurred amid heightened political tension in some parts of Osun State as voters participated in the governorship election to determine the next governor of the state.

Security agencies had deployed personnel across the state ahead of the election and repeatedly warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against acts capable of disrupting the electoral process.

The police had also announced restrictions on movement across Osun State from midnight on Friday until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday as part of measures to maintain security during the election.

Earlier reports from other parts of the state indicated isolated incidents of tension and alleged disruptions at some polling units.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged stakeholders to maintain peace and allow voters to exercise their franchise without intimidation or interference.

The brief clash in Ile-Ife highlights the sensitivity surrounding the election, particularly in areas where supporters of competing political parties are closely monitoring voting activities.

Further details on whether the incident affected voting or resulted in any arrests were not immediately available.