On Saturday afternoon, a polling unit located outside the Oba Elegushi Palace at Ikate in Eti-Osa, Lekki, Lagos State was attacked by thugs, resulting in chaos and violence. The hoodlums reportedly stormed the area, carting away ballot boxes and chasing away the presiding officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
According to an anonymous resident in the area, “The information I’m getting is that the violence erupted outside the Oba’s palace. The ballot boxes were snatched and everybody ran away. Thugs are still hanging around the area.”
In addition, Samuel Otigba, a popular Twitter user who voted in the polling unit inside the palace, shared his experience, stating, “The vote outside the palace was scattered by area boys. Ballot box jacked. Chased the presiding officer away. They just physically assaulted @EditiEffiong because he was videoing the whole thing. He tried running into the palace when they saw & chased him, but they locked the gate. This is madness. The police officers here just stood & did nothing. They took his phone and deleted the video. Was outside when they chased and assaulted @EditiEffiong, tried recording, but they are beating anyone recording here & taking your phone if they spot you. Area dey hot.”
Oba Elegushi Palace In Chaos, Ballot Boxes Snatched#NigeriaElections2023 #NigeriaDecides #LiveUpdate
Follow @OduNewsNG for more live updates on elections across the country! pic.twitter.com/moTHG6qPWG
— OduNews.com (@OduNewsNG) February 25, 2023
Happening at Oba Elegushi Palace in Lagos. All election materials destroyed! pic.twitter.com/Fc3qPoFFuO
— Kelechi Okoye (@AprokoCertified) February 25, 2023
The situation is concerning as the electoral process is a critical aspect of democracy. The use of violence and intimidation by thugs to disrupt the process is unacceptable and undermines the credibility of the election. The authorities must ensure that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice, and measures should be taken to safeguard polling units in the upcoming elections. It is essential to promote a peaceful electoral process that respects the rights of all citizens to participate in the democratic process.