- commends voter turnout, urges security agencies to prevent violence
By John Dike, Osogbo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, has expressed confidence in his chances of emerging victorious in Saturday’s governorship election.
Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, also commended the large turnout of voters in Ikire, saying the development showed that the electorate was not intimidated by reports of tension and security concerns ahead of the poll.
The APC candidate spoke shortly after casting his vote at Unit 11, Ward 9, Open Space Gantry, Ikire.
He said the presence of voters, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security personnel at the polling unit was encouraging, expressing optimism that the election would remain peaceful and credible across the state.
“INEC is here, voters are here, security operatives are here. I want to commend the large turnout of voters in Ikire. It shows that people are not intimidated and, generally, things are going on fine across the state,” Oyebamiji said.
He, however, called on the police and other security agencies to remain proactive throughout the voting process, particularly in Ikire, to prevent any possible outbreak of violence.
“On possible violence in Ikire later today, I want to admonish the police and other security operatives to be proactive, to ensure security for our people and all the voters. I believe the election will be credible,” he said.
Reacting to the reported arrest of a politician allegedly found in possession of election-related materials, Oyebamiji expressed confidence in the ability of the police to handle the matter appropriately.
“On the politician that was arrested with voter machinery, I want to assure you that the police will do their job,” he said.
The APC candidate, who expressed satisfaction with the conduct of voting at his polling unit, said he remained confident of defeating his opponents at the end of the electoral process.
“I am confident that I will win this election at the end of the day,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Francis Fadahunsi, has urged residents of the state to come out and exercise their franchise, assuring voters that there was no cause for alarm.
Fadahunsi cast his ballot at about 10:48 a.m. at Unit 1, Ward 4, NUD Primary School, Ilase-Ijesa, in Obokun Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking with journalists shortly after voting, the senator expressed satisfaction with the turnout at his polling unit but urged more eligible voters to come out and participate in the election.
The senator, who had earlier faced criticism over alleged incitement, said the turnout was encouraging but insisted that more voters needed to participate in the exercise.
“Please, come out, there is no cause for alarm. The turnout is encouraging; people are still coming out.
“For now, I am impressed with the turnout, but if they don’t come out more than this, I am not okay. So, people should be encouraged to come out. They should go in and bring their people. You people should encourage them to vote. There is no cause for alarm,” Fadahunsi told journalists.
The calls by the two political figures came as voting continued across Osun State, with voters turning out at polling units to elect the next governor of the state.
