BREAKING: Thugs Allegedly Attack ADC Candidate Najeem Salaam as Voting Halted in Ejigbo

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Panic and confusion erupted in Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State on Saturday after suspected political thugs allegedly attacked the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam, shortly after he cast his ballot during the ongoing governorship election.

The incident reportedly occurred at Ward 4, Unit 13, Iroyin Ayo Open Space, where Salaam had voted alongside his wife.

Eyewitness accounts said the situation quickly deteriorated after the couple completed the voting process, with suspected thugs allegedly smashing vehicle windows and scattering broken glass around the polling area.

The violence reportedly sent voters, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, election observers and journalists scrambling for safety.

Voting at the polling unit was subsequently suspended as security personnel, including police and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), moved in to restore order.

Salaam was reportedly evacuated from the area for his safety as security operatives took control of the situation.

The incident triggered anger among women and other voters at the scene, with footage circulating online showing protesters chanting for a peaceful and credible election. Some were heard insisting that political disagreements should not result in loss of lives.

The development has also generated further controversy following the circulation of separate footage allegedly showing an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain warning residents to vote in a particular manner or face consequences.

However, the identity of the person in the footage and the circumstances surrounding the alleged statement could not be independently verified.

At least one person suspected of involvement in the attack was reportedly arrested at the scene, while authorities were said to have commenced an investigation into the incident.

The attack has raised fresh concerns about election security in Osun as voters across the state’s 30 local government areas participate in the closely watched governorship contest.

Political parties, civil society groups and residents have called on security agencies to protect voters, candidates, electoral officials and journalists and to ensure that acts of intimidation or violence do not undermine the election.

The incident in Ejigbo is expected to attract further attention as authorities investigate what triggered the confrontation and whether the violence affected the voting process at the polling unit.

This report is developing. Details may change as official statements and further verified information emerge.