On August 16, 1983, towns and communities across Ondo State erupted into widespread violence following the announcement of results in the state gubernatorial election, which declared the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) candidate, Chief Akin Omoboriowo the winner of the poll, after defeating his closest rival, Chief Micheal Adekunle Ajasin, candidate of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).
Angry youths in Akure to Owo, Ondo, Ikare, and Ore, stormed the streets, burned party offices, destroyed vehicles, and clashed with security personnel.
Although police and soldiers were deployed in major towns by midday as the situation deteriorated, but the unrest was widely linked to public rejection of the election outcome.
Many voters and party supporters alleged irregularities in the polling and collation process, and say the declaration in favor of NPN does not reflect the will of the people.
Peotesters gathered at the Government Secretariat and marched toward the NPN secretariat, chanted slogans and carried placards. By 10am, shops were forced to close and major roads were blocked with tires and debris.
A trader in Owo who witnessed the violence said, “People came out because they felt cheated. The result announced is not what we voted for.”
The NPN has defended the result, called it “free and fair” and urged calm. A party spokesman in Akure said the party “won convincingly and will not be intimidated by thuggery.”
