Party agents allegedly destroy election materials in A’Ibom

Ini Billie, Uyo

Voting has been disrupted in some polling units in Akwa Ibom State over the alleged destruction of election materials by party agents.

It was gathered that some party agents alleged to belong to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), instigated fracas in Unit 1, ward 10, Ikot Ebom primary school, Itu local government area, Akwa Ibom State that halted the voting exercise. 

It was said that trouble started when agents of the PDP in the unit only allowed PDP supporters to vote while those, they believed were not in support of the PDP were blocked from voting.

In an attempt to fight back, the suspected PDP thugs allegedly overpowered the voters, causing pandemonium which made the voters scamper for safety.

Following the fracas, the corps members who are INEC ad-hoc staff parked the election materials and stood in a corner waiting for the next line of action.

It was learnt that the police officials attached to the unit became overwhelmed by the pandemonium, as they entered a motorcycle and left the voters to their fate.

A voter who did not want his name in print explained that other voters in the queue insisted that they be allowed to vote for the candidate of their choice but were not allowed.

Meanwhile, the female police officer who left the unit earlier came back with her colleagues and released several canisters of teargas on the voters who have since dispersed to their various homes.

Many voters who claimed not to be PDP supporters for the presidential election are lamenting over the disenfranchisement they suffered.

It was also gathered that election materials were destroyed in some units in Etim Ekpo, while tyres of vehicles conveying election materials were said to be deflated at the Uruan Anwa junction.