By Timeswatch
Tension reportedly erupted at yesterday’s Agege Federal Constituency primary election following reports that Hon. Oluwaseyi Kazeem Sarumi allegedly personally and physically attacked the electoral officials supervising the exercise, situation which led to the disruption and eventual cancellation of the election process.
According to reports from the venue of the primary election, the incident occurred after a phase of the ongoing exercise reportedly did not favour Hon. Sarumi. Witnesses affirmed that the aspirant became aggressive and personally led an attack against officials assigned to conduct and supervise the electoral process.
Among those reportedly attacked were the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) official, Mrs. Oyebiyi Toluwanimi, and the party Returning Officer, Mrs. Adeola Olusi. Eyewitnesses described the incident as not only an assault on electoral officers but also a direct attack on women carrying out official democratic responsibilities.
Sources present at the venue alleged that the attack was grand-standing and personally executed by Hon. Kazeem Sarumi, creating panic and confusion within the election environment. The development reportedly forced several electoral officers, party officials, delegates, voters, and observers to flee for safety as tension escalated uncontrollably.
The peaceful election exercise was consequently disrupted and later cancelled after the affected officials, who were expected to document proceedings, collate official records, and submit reports, reportedly ran for their lives due to security threats and fear of further attacks.
Further disturbing reports indicated that after the initial attack at the election venue, the party Returning Officer, Mrs. Adeola Olusi was allegedly trailed in her vehicle by individuals identified as loyalists and supporters of Hon. Sarumi. Sources claimed that the pursuit resulted in an accident involving the Returning Officer’s car.
The returning officer was also reportedly threatened after the incident, leaving her in severe emotional shock and trauma. Political observers and stakeholders have expressed deep concern over the alleged intimidation and public sexual harassment targeted at female electoral officials during the democratic process.
The incident has since generated widespread reactions across political circles, with many condemning the alleged violence and describing it as a dangerous threat to democratic values, electoral integrity, and the safety of women in politics and democratic process.
Observers insist that the development represents a total denial and suppression of democratic processes in the Agege Federal Constituency and warned that the matter must not be swept under the carpet.
Meanwhile, video evidence of the disruption and alleged assault are reportedly going viral on social media as of the time of filing this report, further intensifying public reactions and calls for immediate investigation into the incident.
Stakeholders are now calling on relevant authorities, party leadership, security agencies, and election monitoring bodies to thoroughly investigate the allegations and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, the process was different at the venue of the Federal House of Representatives’ primary election exercise in Alimosho constituency, where conducts were heated but peaceful.
Eventual results presented, Hon. Mrs. Ola Olusola Motunrayo as winner.
Available general information from the ADC has it that the primary election processes were largely successful and that the party remains committed to its goals.
When Timeswatch contacted Hon. Sarumi Kazeem on phone about the allegations, he simply stated that the reports are strange to him.
