Tensions High at Dutse Ward as Disqualification, Bribery Allegations Surface

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Chaos erupted at the local polling unit this morning after a PDP political aspirant was pressured to step down unexpectedly. 

The decision sparked immediate outrage among party loyalists, who identified a supervisor for the ADC as the primary catalyst behind the dispute. The interference has led to a bitter standoff between the two party camps, stalling the commencement of accreditation for several hours.

In a heated exchange witnessed by onlookers, a PDP party agent expressed his fury over the forced withdrawal, threatening to destabilize the entire process. Despite a visible presence of armed security personnel, the agent declared that his team was “ready to cause havoc” if the situation was not rectified.

The open defiance of law enforcement has created a palpable sense of fear among the community members waiting to cast their ballots.

Adding to the electoral friction, a blatant incident of voter inducement occurred in full view of the public. Two women, intending to vote, refused to join the queue, stating they would not participate until they received a financial incentive. The women were seen actively lobbying ADC officials for money, highlighting the transactional nature of the day’s proceedings.

The situation grew even more tense when the women received a “package” from the ADC representatives but immediately rejected it, claiming the contents were too small. The officials were overheard negotiating with the women, urging them to exercise their voting rights first as a show of good faith. They were promised that they would be “fully settled” once their thumbprints were confirmed on the ballot papers.

As of this afternoon, the polling unit remains a flashpoint of volatility. While security forces are attempting to maintain a semblance of order, the combination of thuggery threats and open vote-buying has cast a dark cloud over the integrity of the election.

Many voters have fled the scene, fearing that the promised “havoc” could break out at any moment.