Tension erupted at Polling Unit 027 along Yaya Abatan Road in the Ogba area of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government as supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) reportedly assaulted a Labour Party (LP) polling agent during the Lagos Local Government elections.
The incident occurred on Saturday when the APC chairmanship candidate, Usman Akanbi Hamzat, arrived at the polling unit to cast his vote. According to eyewitnesses, APC loyalists confronted LP agent Spencer Dominic, ordering him to move away from his position behind the electoral officers.
When Dominic refused to comply with the instruction, the situation quickly escalated. He was allegedly dragged, slapped, and verbally abused by APC supporters. More concerning was the reported inaction of security personnel present at the scene, who witnesses claim did not intervene during the altercation.
Peace was eventually restored when bystanders stepped in to halt the assault. Speaking after the incident, Dominic explained his position, stating: "I was monitoring those coming to vote and checking their voter cards. When the chairman came and told me to move, I declined because I had a duty to observe. That's when some APC members attacked me."
In response to the allegations, APC chieftain Gbenga Adebowale defended the party's actions, claiming that the LP agent had violated polling protocols by positioning himself too close to election officials. "The council chairman is the incumbent and was simply casting his vote. The agent had no right to confront him or ask for his voter card," Adebowale argued.
He further stated: "Agents are not supposed to stand directly behind electoral officers. There are clear boundaries for agents at polling units. His actions were confrontational and disruptive."
This incident highlights the tensions that often characterize local government elections in Lagos State, where competition between political parties can sometimes lead to confrontations at polling units. The Lagos Local Government elections have also reportedly experienced low voter turnout in several areas, with some residents expressing concerns about the electoral process.
As the election continues, electoral officials and security agencies face the challenge of ensuring a peaceful and transparent voting process across all local government areas in Lagos State.
Stay connected with BenriNews for more updates on the Lagos Local Government elections and other important news. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
