“Tension as Hon. Kazeem Sarumi Allegedly Clashes With Female Electoral Official”

Tension reportedly erupted during the ongoing Agege Federal Constituency primary election following reports that Hon. Oluwaseyi Kazeem Sarumi allegedly physically attacked electoral officials supervising the exercise, leading 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 alleged that the aspirant became aggressive and personally led an attack on officials assigned to conduct and supervise the electoral process.

Among those reportedly attacked were an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. Oyebiyi Toluwanimi, and the party’s Returning Officer, Mrs. Adeola Olusi. Eyewitnesses described the incident as not only an assault on electoral officers but also an attack on women carrying out official democratic responsibilities.

Sources at the venue alleged that the attack was personally carried out 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.

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 fled due to security concerns and fear of further attacks.

Further reports indicated that after the initial disruption at the election venue, the party’s 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 vehicle.

The Returning Officer was also reportedly threatened after the incident, leaving her in severe emotional distress and trauma. Political observers and stakeholders have expressed concern over the alleged intimidation and harassment targeted at female electoral officials during the democratic process.

The incident has since generated reactions across political circles, with many condemning the alleged violence and describing it as a threat to democratic values, electoral integrity and the safety of women participating in politics and election processes.

Observers maintained that the development represents a serious setback to democratic processes in the Agege Federal Constituency and warned that the matter should not be ignored.

Meanwhile, video evidence of the disruption and alleged assault was reportedly circulating on social media as of the time of filing this report, further intensifying public reactions and calls for an immediate investigation into the incident.

Stakeholders have called 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.