Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described the ongoing by-election in the Ondo South Senatorial District of the state as peaceful.
While expressing satisfaction with the level of voter turnout across the six local government areas of the district during the exercise, the governor stated that the process had been orderly.
The by-election is being held to fill the vacant seat left by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The contest is taking place across Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa, Irele, Odigbo, and Ileoluji/Okeigbo local council areas of the state.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after casting his vote at Unit 05, Ward 4, Obenla community, Ilaje Local Council Area, Aiyedatiwa stated that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Dayo Faduyile, had carried out extensive mobilization efforts, contributing to the large turnout recorded.
According to him, structures of the party across the district would continue to drive voter engagement.
He said, “We want to encourage everyone to come out and vote. Ondo State is safe, and we have a peaceful election. God has been helping us; our security agencies are up and doing. Ondo State is one of the safest and most peaceful states in Nigeria.
“So, we expect a turnout of our people, even though it is a by-election. A lot of work has been done by our candidate, Professor Dayo Faduyile, and the environment is still very active politically after the primary election,” he said.
The governor added that turnout could exceed 100,000 voters, noting that such a figure would be remarkable for a by-election, even though participation is typically lower than in general elections.
“So we expect that we get a very good number, maybe about 100,000 plus, considering the way the election is as a by-election. But ordinarily, if it is like a general election, definitely the number would be more. We hope that at the end of voting, we will see how it goes,” he stated.
Aiyedatiwa also reassured residents of the state’s security, describing Ondo as one of the safest and most peaceful states in the country.
He, however, urged citizens to remain vigilant and support security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities, unfamiliar persons, or unusual movements within their communities.
“Our security is a function of every one of us. It is not only the government or the security agencies. As members of society, citizens’ participation is very important, especially in the area of security.
“I want to encourage our people not to be afraid to go about their businesses, but when they notice anything new or strange, they should let the appropriate authorities know,” the governor added.
The governor encouraged residents to go about their lawful activities without fear while maintaining vigilance throughout the electoral process.
Faduyile, a former president of the Nigerian Medical Association, is contesting against candidates from other political parties, including the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Action People’s Party (APP), and Boot Party (BP).
The Guardian
