A violent incident marred the National Assembly by-election for Ovia Federal Constituency on Saturday, August 16, 2025, when an agent of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), whose identity remains unconfirmed, was beaten and manhandled by voters at Ozolua Model Primary School, Iguobazuwa East Ward, the headquarters of Ovia South West Local Government Area.
The agent was accused of withholding Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), preventing voters from casting their ballots.
Eyewitnesses reported that voters, frustrated by the agent’s refusal to release their PVCs, confronted the agent, leading to a physical altercation.
“We came to vote, but this PDP agent was holding our cards for no clear reason. People lost patience,” said a voter who requested anonymity.
The situation was brought under control only after police intervened, rescuing the agent from further harm and ensuring the voting process continued.
The by-election, scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill the vacant Ovia Federal Constituency seat, saw a strong turnout in Iguobazuwa, with election materials arriving as early as 7:00 AM.
The PDP had selected Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi as its candidate for the constituency following a primary election on July 21, 2025, in Iguobazuwa.
INEC has not issued a specific statement on the Ozolua incident but emphasized its commitment to a transparent electoral process, with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in use to ensure voter verification.
The Edo State Police Command confirmed their intervention but provided no further details on the agent or the investigation.
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