ROWDINESS and an absence of security officers were observed at Ugbonla, Ilaje Local Government Area on governorship election day in Ondo State as large crowds bombarded the major waterfront in the area to travel and cast their votes.
Large crowds flooded the community’s waterfront – a gateway to many villages like Obe Nla, Obeji, Obearelewo, Obefela, Oberewoye, and Obeagun – as early as 5.30 am.
As seen by one of The ICIR reporter covering the election in the state, most of the crowds are those travelling by water to the villages to cast their votes.
The incumbent Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election is from one of the communities.
The ICIR reported that the election commenced in many parts of the state as scheduled.
Priority voting was given to the elderly, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women in most polling units observed.
Before the elections, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) instructed its officers to ensure the safety of the electorate, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, and electoral materials, given the political violence reported in Idanre Local Government Area (LGA) a few days before the poll.
The inspector-general of police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, assured the state residents of extensive security deployments and strict enforcement measures to ensure peace across the state before, during and after the election.
In a statement released on November 10, Egbetokun outlined the deployment of police personnel and specialised units to all 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units in Ondo State.
In addition to officers on the ground, the IGP announced plans to deploy helicopters for aerial patrols and gunboats to monitor waterways, enhancing security coverage across all terrains.
He also warned political thugs and any individuals aiming to disrupt the process, vowing that “they will face the full force of the law.”
A total of 1,757,205 voters who collected permanent voter’s cards are expected to cast their ballots in the 3,933 polling units across the 203 wards in the state’s 18 LGAs.
According to INEC, 18 political parties are featuring candidates. However, The ICIR reported that three candidates withdrew from the race.
The Appeal Court also sacked the Labour Party candidate in the election, Olusola Ebiseni, on Thursday, November 14.
The leading contenders in the poll are the incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the former Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).
They are both from the southern senatorial region of the state.
The ICIR reports that Agboola was deputy to late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu between 2017 and 2021.
A reporter with the ICIR
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