Drama at Ogun Student Election as Umpire Allegedly Swallows Ballot Papers, Police Intervene

By Zagazola Makama

Drama unfolded during the Joint Campus Ogun State Council election held at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Secretariat in Leme, Abeokuta, after an electoral umpire allegedly swallowed some ballot papers during vote counting.

Police sources said the election, which commenced at about 8:00 a.m., was briefly delayed following a two-hour recess to resolve disputes over the number of accredited institutions.

The sources disclosed that stakeholders later reached a consensus recognising 13 institutions, after which the election proceeded.

According to the sources, tension escalated during the counting of votes when one of the electoral umpires, whose identity is yet to be confirmed, allegedly chewed some ballot papers as participants demanded the announcement of results.

They added that the umpire later fainted, prompting the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to evacuate him in a Department of State Services (DSS) vehicle for safety and urgent medical attention.

The sources further said the Chairman of the electoral commission, identified as Sileola, was also escorted to safety in a police SWAT vehicle.

They noted that three persons who attempted to cause a breakdown of law and order were arrested, while aggrieved parties were advised to channel their grievances through the appropriate authorities.

The sources said the situation was brought under control, with calm restored at the venue, while further developments are expected.