Voters Assault PDP Agent in Edo Over Withheld PVCs

Tension broke out on Saturday in Iguobazuwa, Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State, after voters descended on a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agent, accusing him of withholding their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) during the National Assembly by-election.

The incident occurred at Ozolua Model Primary School, Iguobazuwa East Ward, one of the polling centres for the Ovia Federal Constituency by-election.

Witnesses said frustration built up after several eligible voters were allegedly denied access to their cards, preventing them from exercising their civic rights.

The situation quickly escalated as the angry crowd confronted the PDP agent, leading to a physical attack.

Security operatives on duty were forced to intervene, rescuing the agent from further assault. The police swiftly restored calm and escorted him to safety, allowing the voting process to continue without further disruption.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the anger among voters was fueled by suspicion of deliberate attempts to manipulate the process.

“We came out early to vote, only to be told our cards were being held back. People lost patience when it seemed like our rights were being tampered with,” one voter said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier confirmed that election materials arrived on schedule, with polling units in Ovia opening as early as 7:00 am. Despite the disruption, turnout in the constituency was reported to be relatively high.

The Ovia Federal Constituency seat became vacant earlier this year, prompting the by-election. Both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP are locked in a keen contest for the seat, which is seen as a stronghold of grassroots political influence in Edo State.

The attack highlights the growing frustration among Nigerian voters over electoral malpractice and underscores the need for greater transparency in election management. While order was eventually restored, the incident has raised questions about the conduct of party agents and the measures in place to prevent voter disenfranchisement.