Sampson Kingsley, an election observer accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the Edo governorship elections was assaulted at Ward 4, stationed within the premises of United Baptist Church on mission road by agents of political parties.
The incident which took place during the Edo gubernatorial elections on Saturday had the observer subjected to severe physical assault after challenging a suspected instance of vote buying at unit 3 of Ward 4. The incident occurred while accreditation and voting had commenced.
According to Kingsley, He noticed suspicious activities involving monetary transactions near the polling area and confronted the individuals involved, as such actions were illegal and against electoral regulations.”
The confrontation quickly escalated into a physical altercation as the individuals accused of vote buying reacted aggressively.
They repeatedly punched Kingsley resulting in bodily injuries especially around his face.
It took the intervention of some voters to stop the altercation and assist . All of this took place in the presence of security operatives.
The incident sparked widespread condemnation from voters and civil society organizations monitoring the election.
