Conflicting accounts have emerged over the conduct of the Osun governorship election in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, with an Accord Party chieftain alleging disruption at some polling units while an APC leader described voting in his ward as peaceful.
Senator Lere Oyewumi, an Accord chieftain and Director-General of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s Campaign Council, made the allegation after casting his ballot at Unit 9, Ward 1, at SS Peter and Paul, Sunmoye Primary School, Ikire.
Accord Alleges Disruption at Polling Units
Oyewumi alleged that suspected political thugs disrupted voting at several polling units where he claimed the Accord Party had strong support.
He said voter turnout was initially encouraging, with more than 100 people reportedly present at his polling unit before voting began.
According to him, difficulties started shortly after voting commenced at about 8:30 a.m.
Oyewumi alleged that voting at Orieru Polling Unit in Ward 1 was disrupted by suspected political thugs who allegedly attacked party agents and forced voters away from the area.
He further claimed that the same group moved to St. Joseph polling units 1 and 2, where he said voting was also disrupted.
Campaign Chief Calls for Voter Participation
Oyewumi said he visited the affected areas and encouraged voters to return and continue participating in the election.
He alleged that the group subsequently moved to Ward 6, where voting was reportedly disrupted at Alaha polling units and polling units around Baptist Primary School.
Although he expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he raised concerns about the alleged movement of armed individuals during the election.
Oyewumi said the inability of security personnel to prevent such movements was a major concern.
APC Chieftain Gives Different Account
However, APC chieftain Dotun Babayemi gave a contrasting assessment of the election in his ward.
Babayemi told journalists that voting was proceeding smoothly and described the exercise as free, fair and peaceful.
According to him, the main challenges encountered involved technical problems with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) at two polling units in Ward 4.
He said the BVAS problems were reported and subsequently resolved.
“There is no report of violence or fighting because we understand in this community that we are one family, irrespective of political differences,” Babayemi said.
He expressed confidence that the APC and its candidate would receive strong support in the local government.
Election Situation Remains Under Watch
The differing accounts highlight the importance of official reports from election authorities and security agencies in determining the extent of any disruption during voting.
While the Accord chieftain alleged attacks and voter displacement at several locations, the APC representative reported a largely peaceful exercise in his ward.
The election authorities and security agencies are expected to continue monitoring polling activities as voting and the subsequent collation process proceed across Osun State.
