Friday, March 29, 2024

Voters apathy greets Osun council elections, Oyetola says process peaceful

BY TIMOTHY AGBOR OSOGBO

There was poor turnout of voters in the local government elections held across Osun State, on Saturday, as the state governor, Gboyega Oyetola, described the exercise as peaceful and rancour-free.

Voters in majority of the polling units visited by our correspondent distanced themselves from the election which has generated controversy since its conception.

The Peoples Democratic Party in the state did not participate in the process. The party had approached the court to stop the Osun Independent Electoral Commission from conducting the polls.

At some polling units in Osogbo councils, Osogbo West LCDA among others observed by our correspondent, election was concluded at most polling units early as a result of low turnout of voters.

It was observed that only the All Progressives Congress fielded candidates for the polls conducted with a ballot paper marked with “Yes or No.”

Speaking after casting his ballot alongside his wife, Kafayat at his polling unit, Ward 1 Unit 002, Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area of the state, Governor Oyetola expressed optimism on the political future of Nigeria, saying against all odds, democracy is thriving in the country.

The governor described the entire electoral process as peaceful, orderly and rancour-free. According to him, it was an indication that the nation’s democracy is thriving and progressing steadily.

He also hailed OSIEC for its resolve and commitment to have a free, fair, transparent, credible and acceptable electoral process.

Oyetola further registered his satisfaction on the peaceful atmosphere reigning across the state just as he lauded the officers and men of the security agencies for maintaining adequate security in all the polling units where the election is taking place.

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