There was tension at Ward D, Unit 015, located within the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Abule Oja, during the ongoing Lagos local government elections, as suspected thugs disrupted the voting process and forced security personnel to lock out voters.
When our correspondent arrived at the scene, only a handful of stranded voters were seen outside the university gate, which had been shut by campus security following the chaos.
The situation was later brought under control after police operatives arrived, and the gate was reopened to allow election officials and voters entry.
The PDP agent at the polling unit, Mr. Dare Adeyanju, recounted his experience, alleging that some hoodlums emerged unexpectedly, grabbed him, and attempted to manhandle him before the police intervened. He further claimed the thugs attempted to dump pre-marked ballot papers into the ballot box.
His account was supported by the APC agent, Mr. Adeoye Samuel, who confirmed that the incident occurred but said he could not ascertain the political affiliation of those responsible.
The presiding officer, Mrs. Tewogbade, expressed concern over the aftermath of the disruption, noting that many voters fled the scene and were reluctant to return due to fear.
Speaking against the backdrop of the incident, the Vice Chairman of Yaba LCDA, Hon. Bolanle Nurudeen Aileru, said his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), had earlier received intelligence reports about potential disruptions at the UNILAG polling unit.
“We were aware of some plans to cause trouble, but we already put in place strong strategies to ensure the situation was brought under control swiftly,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the APC’s performance across the council area, assuring that the party would emerge victorious.
“Despite the distractions, APC will win convincingly both at the chairmanship and councilorship levels,” Hon. Aileru said.
