Addressing the individual, the official ordered him to stop and wait for the commencement of voting.

“When the election commences, we queue up. We are here to monitor. We don’t want any problems,” the official said. He further warned the man against taking a headcount of voters, stating, “You don’t have any right to be writing numbers. You know your job.”

The official subsequently directed the man to proceed with the voting process. “When the election commences, queue up. Go and do your work… Go and cast your vote,” he added.

The confrontation occurred as security agencies and election observers intensified monitoring across Osun State to prevent electoral malpractice and ensure a peaceful governorship election.

“I am encouraged by the turnout of voters. It shows that our people are interested in the democratic process and are determined to exercise their civic responsibility,” he said.

The former governor also praised the orderly conduct of the election, urging residents to maintain peace during and after the voting process. “I am also pleased with the peaceful manner in which people have conducted themselves so far. Osun is a peaceful state, and I appeal to everyone to maintain this spirit throughout the election and after the results are announced,” Oyetola stated.

As leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State, Oyetola expressed confidence in the party’s candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, saying the electorate would make the right choice.

“I am confident in our candidate, and I believe the people of Osun will make the right choice. What is most important now is for everybody to remain calm and allow the votes to be counted and the will of the people to prevail,” he added.

He further called on supporters of all political parties to avoid violence, provocation and any action capable of undermining the electoral process. Oyetola also commended security agencies deployed for the election, urging them to remain professional and impartial until the exercise is concluded.

“I commend the security personnel for the work they are doing. Their presence is important in maintaining peace and ensuring that voters can exercise their rights without intimidation. I urge them to continue to discharge their duties professionally and fairly,” he said.

The unrest triggered panic among voters, INEC officials, election observers, and journalists, forcing many to flee the area.

As tensions escalated, Salaam was escorted away by his security team for his safety. The disturbance disrupted the electoral process, leading to the suspension of voting as electoral officials vacated the polling unit over security concerns.

Operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, later arrived to restore order. However, they eventually left while the atmosphere remained tense.

One voter, Adewale, lamented that he was unable to cast his ballot despite arriving early.

“I came here early because I wanted to vote and return home. But after the crisis started, everybody ran away. Now the INEC officials and security men have left. We don’t know what will happen next,” he said.

Another voter, who requested anonymity, said the disruption denied many residents the opportunity to participate in the election.

“We have been here since morning. We want to vote, but nobody is conducting the election anymore. The security people who came to restore order have also left,” the voter said.

As of the time of reporting, voting remained suspended at the polling unit, while some residents stayed behind awaiting official information on whether the exercise would resume.