The ongoing governorship election in Ondo State has witnessed a large turnout of voters across the state, The Hope has gathered.
At Unit 61, Ward 10, Shagari Village, Akure, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Jimoh Ibrahim, noted that the voting exercise was proceeding smoothly, with all stakeholders effectively discharging their duties.
While commending the impressive turnout of voters in the area, he urged other accredited voters yet to arrive at the polling unit to make their way to cast their ballots and decide the state’s future.
“People have been coming and going to cast their votes for their preferred candidates. I urge those who are yet to do so to hurry up and exercise their civic rights. We must understand that if our candidate emerges victorious after the election, we will give glory to God. However, if otherwise, we should accept our fate and move on,” he said.
At Unit 33, Ward 4, Oke-Ijebu, Akure, a resident, Mrs Dorcas Oluwakemi, told The Hope that voters, in large numbers, were peacefully exercising their rights without intimidation.
Similarly, at Unit 032, Ward 10, Oshodi/Isolo, Akure, a resident who spoke anonymously described the process as peaceful. “INEC officials are doing their work as expected. There is no harassment whatsoever from the security operatives, and the electorate are exercising their rights as expected,” the source stated.
At Unit 5, Ward 13, Oyinmo, Ikare Akoko, residents were seen trooping out in large numbers to vote. According to a resident, Mrs Labake Ajidara, the atmosphere was calm and orderly.
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“I have been here since before 7 am, even before the setup of voting materials. The exercise commenced exactly at 8:30 am, and since then, we have had a massive turnout of voters. The process has been transparent, and we are all pleased with it,” she said.
However, at Unit 1, Elemeje, Ikare Akoko, despite the early large turnout of voters, it was observed that the BVAS machine was not functional as of 10:40 am.
The Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Oyeniyi Oseni, explained the situation, saying, “We are waiting for it to be replaced.”
Speaking with The Hope in a telephone interview from Unit 2, Ward 3, Orimilade, Oke-Agbe Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area, a chieftain of the APC and former commissioner in the state, Chief Bode Sunmonu, described the exercise as peaceful, adding that election materials arrived on time.
“Everything is going according to plan. Security personnel are on the ground, and the people here are happy to cast their votes and return home in peace,” he said.
A resident, Mrs Bose Adeola, who also spoke with The Hope over the phone, confirmed that the exercise was peaceful in Oke-Agbe Akoko. She noted that she cast her vote at Unit 4, Araromi, Oke-Agbe Akoko, at around 8:30 am, alongside many other voters.
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