The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has said it’s going to court to challenge the inconclusive verdict passed on last Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the election, following the cancellation of the service in some local government areas.
But in a statement on Monday by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party insisted that the election was concluded and results announced in all polling and the collation centers.
According the PDP, that signified the lawful conclusion of the election, thus removing INEC’s powers to declare the election inconclusive.
The statement said, “Our electoral law is clear that once an election result is declared, INEC is bound to return a winner. INEC, in trying to play the card of the defeated All Progressives Congress (APC), contravened the law by refusing to announce a return, even when the declared results have thrown up a winner.
“Section 69 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) states that inter-alia “in an election to the office of the President or governor whether or not contested and in any contested election to any other elective office, the result shall be ascertained by counting the votes cast for each candidate and subject to the provisions of sections 133, 134 and 179 of the constitution, the candidate that receives the highest number of votes shall be declared elected by the appropriate Returning Officer”.
“Concurrently, Section 179 (2), (a) (b) of the constitution directly prescribes that “a candidate for an election to the office of Governor of a State shall be deemed to have been duly elected where, there being two or more candidates – (a) he has the highest number of votes cast at the election; and (b) he has not less than one-quarter of all the votes cast in each of at least two-thirds of all the local government areas in the State.
“INEC’s action in declaring a concluded election as inconclusive is therefore an annulment, totally duplicitous, constitutionally illegal, ultra-vires and as such null and void”.
The PDP called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Osun State Governorship Election Returning Officer, Prof. Joseph Fuwape, for “succumbing to the pressure of the APC” and declaring a decided election as inconclusive.
“We demand that INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu immediately summon the courage to do the needful by declaring our candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, as winner.
“It is completely ludicrous, that INEC and the APC are now attempting to divert the narrative from the substance of the election by making outlandish allegations against the PDP and lobbying Civil Society Organizations and Electoral Observers to validate their illegality.
“Moreover, even if the Osun governorship election is conducted over and over again, the PDP will still win as the people of the state have chosen the PDP and its candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
“Nevertheless, we insist that the September 22, 2018 election, under our laws, is conclusive and our candidate must be declared winner”
Dr. Olapade Agoro, Presidential candidate of the National Action Council (NAC), on Sunday hailed the decision of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, not to cast his vote in the last Saturday’s governorship election in Osun state.
There were media reports that Oba Ogunwusi did not vote despite the fact there is a polling unit by the palace, because he saw all the governorship candidates in the Osun State as his subjects.
Speaking with newsmen in Ibadan on Sunday, Agoro commended the revered Yoruba traditional ruler, describing his action as “very laudable and respectable”.
The NAC Presidential candidate maintained that what the Ooni Ogunwusi did was honouring the throne of Oduduwa and the whole of Yoruba race.
According to him, “The Ooni ‘risa, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi has placed himself on the side of honour. The position of the Ooni of Ife is above all political positions. The Ooni should be a rally point for all sons and daughters of Oodu, irrespective of political inclinations.
“The Ooni has been doing well since he ascended the exalted throne. He has been promoting the rich culture of the Yoruba race above political considerations. So far, so good,he has been doing good job on the throne”.
Agoro also felicitate with Ooni Ogunwusi on the forthcoming Olojo Festival that will be celebrated in Ile – Ife, advising the monarch not to allow politicians to use the traditional festival for political campaign.
He urged the Ooni of Ife to promote the Olojo Festival into a trado – cultural festival that will be celebrated beyond the confines of Ile-Ife.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the inconclusive verdict delivered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.
The party has insisted that the process was conclusive and that its candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, who won a total of 254, 698 votes was in clear lead and should be immediately declared winner by INEC, having met the requirements of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
At a media briefing in Abuja on Sunday, the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, said that Section 179 (2) (a)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, (as amended), was clear and very unambiguous in spelling out the conditions for returning a candidate to the office of governor of a state.
Quoting from the said Section, the PDP said, “A candidate for an election to the office of Governor of a State shall be deemed to have been duly elected where, there being two or more candidates – (a) he has the highest number of votes cast at the election; and (b) he has not less than one-quarter of all the votes cast in each of at least two-thirds of all the local government areas in the State”.
The main opposition party insisted that the declaration by INEC of the election as inconclusive, was a “sordid robbery” of the franchise of the people of Osun State, who participated in the election.
Continuing, the PDP said, “It is obvious that having failed in their schemes to alter the final results due to the resistance of the people, the APC had to bear pressure on INEC to declare the election inconclusive so as to pave way for the perfection of their manipulative schemes, which the people of Osun state have firmly resisted so far.
“Instead of yielding to the evil machination of the APC, INEC should have summoned the patriotic courage to immune itself and end this needless controversy by returning the PDP and declare our candidate as the winner.
“It is instructive to state that the PDP will no longer accept inconclusive elections as subterfuge by the APC attain its dubious electoral manipulative schemes in our nation.
“The people of Osun state and the entire nation are already aware that the PDP won this election. They have the authentic figures from the polling units and know the candidate the voters prefer.
“The people, by their votes, have overwhelmingly declared for our candidate and we are not ready to accept any attempt by anybody to use any means whatsoever to steal our mandate freely given by the people.
“The PDP is for peace, but we will not hesitate to use every force available in a democracy to face any attempt to subvert the will of the people or rig us out in this election”
The party charged the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to avoid the fury of the people by immediately reversing what it described as a “fraudulent” decision by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and declaring its candidate the winner of the election.
“Anything short of this is definitely not acceptable to the PDP and the people of Osun and it is a direct recipe for crisis.
“Finally, the PDP cautions INEC and the APC to note that the game is up. The people of Osun state have decided in favour of the PDP and that has become a fact that can never be altered”, the party added.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday declared the Osun State governorship election inconclusive.
According Professor Adeola Fuwape, INEC Returning Officer said the electoral body declared the election inconclusive because the number of cancelled votes is higher than the margin between the two top candidates – Ademola Adeleke of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said a date will be announced for elections to be held in the affected areas.
Details later…
Anxiety as INEC is set to declare results
Osogbo LGA:
APC: 23379
PDP:14499
SDP:10188
ADC:413
ADP:2478
Ife South LGA:
APC:7223
PDP:4872
SDP:6151
ADP:561
ADC:136
Total valid votes = 19,998
Rejected votes=1,399
Total votes cast = 21,397
Iwo LGA
ADC: 1164
ADP :16125
APC :7644
PDP:6122
SDP :4153
Total valid votes:37319
Rejected votes:2290
Total vote casted:39609
Total registered voters:78120
Accredited voters: 39790
Olorunda LGA
ADC-335
ADP-1409
APC-16254
PDP-9850
SDP: 7061
Number of registered voters: 90110
Accredited voters: 40524
TOTAL VALID VOTES: 35990
REJECTED VOTE: 2309
VOTE CAST: 38299
Irewole LGA;
ADC: 249
ADP: 1915
APC: 10049
PDP: 13848
SDP: 1142
TOTAL VALID VOTES : 28267
REJECTED VOTES: 2502
TOTAL VOTES CAST: 30769
No of registered voters : 61977
No of accredited voters: 30898
Ife Central LGA
DC – 194
ADP -1,053
APC – 6,957
PDP – 3,200
SDP – 20,494
TOTAL VALID VOTES 22,859
TOTAL REJECTED VOTES: 1,410
TOTAL VOTES CAST: 24,269
TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTERED VOTERS: 46,558
TOTAL NUMBER OF ACCREDITED VOTERS: 24,307
Oriade LGA:
ADC: 109
ADP: 1224
APC: 9778
PDP: 10109
SDP: 2265
TOTAL VALID VOTES: 24380
TOTAL REJECTED VOTES: 1186
TOTAL VOTES CAST: 25566
TOTAL REGISTERED VOTERS: 54921
TOTAL ACCREDITED VOTERS: 25697
Ilesha West LGA:
PDP: 8286
APC: 7251
SDP: 2408
ADP: 2363
ADC: 127
TOTAL VALID VOTES : 21,220
TOTAL REJECTED VOTES: 1,861
TOTAL VOTES CAST . 23,081
TOTAL REGISTERED VOTERS: 60,600
TOTAL ACCREDITED VOTERS :32,569
Boripe LGA
APC : 11, 655
PDP: 6, 892
ADC: 137
ADP :1137
SDP – 2730
Total Number of Registered Voters – 57, 397
Total Number of of Accredited Voters: 25, 045
TOTAL VALID VOTES: 23212
TOTAL REJECTED VOTES: 1777
TOTAL VOTES CAST: 24989
Ilesa East LGA:
ADC: 188
ADP: 1275
APC: 9790
PDP: 8244
SDP: 3620
Total Number of Registered Voters: 65745
Total Number of of Accredited Voters: 26194
TOTAL VALID VOTES: 23990
TOTAL REJECTED VOTES: 2081
TOTAL VOTES CAST: 26071
Obokun LGA:
ADC: 106
ADP: 663
APC: 7229
PDP: 10859
SDP: 1907
Ede South LGA:
PDP : 16,693
APC: 4,512
ADP : 357
SDP : 855
Total Valid Votes: 23,136
Total Rejected Votes: 1,605
Total Votes Cast: 24,741
Number Of Registered Voters: 46,887
Number of Accredited Voters: 24,888
Ifedayo LGA
APC 3182
PDP 3374
SDP 1377
Atakumosa west LGA
APC 5019
PDP 5401
SDP 1570
ADP 718
Boluwaduro LGA
APC 3843
PDP 3779
SDP 1776
Orolu LGA:
ADC: 79
ADP : 388
APC : 5442
PDP: 7776
SDP:2043
Total Number of Registered Voters: 31,904
Total Number of of Accredited Voters: 17,485
TOTAL VALID VOTES:16,157
TOTAL REJECTED VOTES :1,260
TOTAL VOTES CAST: 17,417
State collation of results about to begin
Here are the results already announced at the council collation centres:
Security personnel are now dispersing unaccredited persons from the collation center in Ikire.
Presiding officers arriving Irewole Local Govt area collation center with results from their units
Collation of results now about to start in Ede North
With six out of the 11 officers now present, the collation exercise is about to start in Ede North LGA.
Collation results yet to begin at Ede North LGA.
Collation of results at Ife East LGA
By Joseph Jibueze
Ward collation of results ongoing at Ife East collation center.
Police fires gunshots and tear gas to disperse youths trying to gain entrance into the venue.
Collation of results have started at Iragbiji, Boripe LGA
Results are still being expected from nine out of the 11 wards in Olorunda LGA.
Collation begins in Ikire
By Muyiwa Lucas
Collation of results for Irewole Local govt is now underway at the St, John Primary school, Ayedaade, Ikire.
Gun shots at INEC collation center, Oke Obun Ila
By Musa Odoshimokhe
The INEC office is presently not accessible
Osun election free, fair, says Accord Party candidate
From Joseph Jibueze, Ile Ife
Accord Party governorship candidate in Osun state Pastor Olapade Julius Okunola has described the electoral process as free and fair.
After casting his vote in Unit 009c, Modakeke Ward III in Ife East, he said he had no complaints about the process.
He urged voters to accept the result and not to forment trouble.
The Redeemed Christian Church of God pastor said: “So far, with what I’ve seen, I’m satisfied. It’s been peaceful; the electorate is cooperating with electoral officials.
“The election has been free and fair with what I’ve seen in this ward and other centres. The card readers are working and I see good organisation.
“I urge voters to accept the result without fighting. I’m trusting God that I’ll emerge the winner.”
Collation yet to begin at Olorunda L.G.A
Vote buying is taking a new twist, says monitoring groups
The Nation Newspaper The Nation Newspaper
By Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo
The Nigeria Women Trust Fund (NWTF) and the Gender and Election Watch (GEW) in collaboration with the European Union Support to Democratic Governance (EUSDGN) on Saturday said the menace of vote buying has taken a new twist.
Addressing reporters after the conclusion of the state governorship election, the CEO of NWTF, Mufuliat Fijabi, said in spite of the effort of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to curb the menace the trend “seems to have continued using creative, discreet and advanced means.
Fijabi said the observation of the NWTF and GEW was informed by reports of the two bodies’ 63 deployed observers.
According to her, the report also showed that there was an impressive turn out of people for the exercise, adding that considerable number of women were sighted participating in the election.
In the two groups’ recommendation, they advised that there should be strict measures to detect and hold accountable perpetrators of votes buyers and sellers.
The groups also advised the INEC to increase its efficiency in supporting the participation of persons with disabilities in subsequent elections.
Osun poll: INEC warns against publication of false results
The Independent National Electoral (INEC) has warned against announcing or publishing false election results as the collation of the Osun governorship election results has begun.
The Commission gave the warning on Saturday through its twitter handle @inecnigeria.
It said that the official results would be available as announced by the election Returning Officer.
“Announcing or publishing a false election result is an offence.
“It’s a criminal offence punishable by a term of imprisonment.
“The official #OsunDecides2018 results will be uploaded on our platforms as declared by the Returning Officer,” the commission said.
Police averts attempt to snatch ballots in Osogbo
By Precious Igbonwelundu
Police averts attempt to snatch ballots, quell tension in Osogbo
42 motorcycles impounded at Ikire for breaking restriction order.
Vote counting has just begun where APC deputy gubernatorial candidate Benedict Alabi voted.
‘Why Ooni did not vote’
By Joseph Jibueze, Ile-Ife
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, did not vote because he sees all the governorship candidates in Osun State as his subjects, his aides have said.
The Lowa Adimula of Ife, High Chief Adekola Adeleye, who said he is the Ooni’s second in command “to the left”, explained that the Ooni cannot be seen to be taking sides with any of the candidates.
There is a polling unit by the Ooni’s palace, but he did not come out to vote.
“It’s not good for the Ooni to vote for any candidate. If he must vote, it will be for all the candidates because he’s the father of all, but that’s not possible, so kingmakers advised him not to vote.
“He cannot take sides. All the candidates are Ooni’s subjects and so it’s better for a father to be neutral when his children are in a contest,” Adeleye told our reporter.
Ooni’s traditional Aide De Camp said the royal father only blessed all the candidates, wished them well and prayed for a peaceful election.
Anxious crowd waiting for vote counting in Ward 5 unit 6 Ikire
Voters frustrated in Iragbiji, Ada, Ororuwo as card readers malfunction
By Bisi Oladele, Iragbiji
Hundreds of voters were frustrated and angry in Iragbiji, Ada and Ororuwo as they were unable to cast their votes as at cut-off time of 2:00 pm.
In virtually all polling units in the communities which are in Boripe Local Government, voting was still going on as at 2:50 pm with many expressing frustration as they endured the scorching sun.
For instance, at Unit 3, Ward 1, NEPA area, Iragbiji, tens of voters were still being given numbers to enable them leave the sun and wait for their turn as at 2:30pm. It was the same at Unit 2, Ward 6, Ororuwo where unruly behavior of voters and malfunctioning of the card reader left the exercise hectic.
At Unit 1, Ward 7, St Andrew’s School, Ada, over 150 voters were still struggling to vote.
But the experience was different in Iree where some of the polling units visited by our reporter, were only waiting for more voters to come as at 12:40 pm
Vote counting starts in some Osogbo units
Counting of votes begin in Ikire
Vote counting has started in some units in Ikire while voting is still on in others.
This is in line with INEC regulation that voting should continue so long as a voter is on the queue before the 2pm cut off time.
Another PDP agent held for alleged Vote buying
Vote counting at unit 007, ward 2
Vote counting underway at the polling unit adjacent to Sen. Adeleke’s: Ojisun Compound, Polling Unit 007, Ward 2, Abogunde/Sagba registration area, Ede North
Counting of votes begins at Adeleke’s polling unit
Vote counting about to begin at Sen. Adleke’s polling unit, polling unit 009 Abogunde compound, Ward 2, Ede North
Former Speaker gives INEC passmark
By Raymond Mordi in Ede
Former Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adejare Bello, has hailed the conduct of the election in his polling unit, adding that he would give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a passmark, if the same scenario is replicated at the various polling units across the state.
His words: “As far as this polling unit is concerned, I would say so far, so good. We have been restricted from moving around during the election, so I have no way of knowing what is happening elsewhere.
“But, if what us happening here is replicated in all the polling units, I will give INEC a passmark and I will say that the exercise has been successful.
“At this polling unit, the disabled were given the opportunity to cast their votes; some of them were assisted by their able-bodied counterparts.
“As you can see, voting is still underway at this unit as at 1.30pm. This is because we have close to a thousand registered voters are registered here and the turnout is quite high.”
Omisore: I’ll win despite irregularities
By Joseph Jibueze, Ile-Ife
Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Osun State, Dr Iyiola Omisore, expressed confidence that he would win the election despite irregularities.
Addressing newsmen after casting his vote, he claimed he got reports from across the state that a lot of things were going wrong.
Ballot box snatching at Orolu ward 8
By Emmanuel Oladesu
At ward 8, Orolu local government, hoodlums invaded a polling unit and carted away ballot boxes
Voting still in progress in Ede
By Raymond Mordi in Ede
There are still long queues of voters in many polling units in Ede.
Voters are waiting patiently to cast their ballot, while electoral officials are idle in many other voting points.
For instance, at the polling unit of former Speaker, Hon. Adejare Bello, Ward 3, Unit 4, Ede North, there was still a long queue as at 12.30pm when our reporter visited the unit which has two voting points.
Same thing goes for Unit 1, Ward 3, Ologun Agbaakin voting area, as well as Areja Square/Yidi Road, Polling Unit 006, Ward 3, Ede North.
20 motorcycles impounded at Ikire
By Precious Igbonwelundu
About 20 motorcycles impounded at Ikire for flaunting restriction order.
Save for that, Ikire has been calm and peaceful, the people coordinated, said Commissioner of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
Voters at Ologun Agbaakin Square
Massive turnout at polling unit 29, Ife Central
Police confirm arrest of PDP chieftain at Polling unit 16, ward 5 for alleged vote buying
DSS arrest a man at unit 20 ward 5 Railway Station for snapping his ballot
I am sure of victory -Akinbade
By Sina Fadare
The gubernatorial candidate of African Democratic Congress, ADC Alhaji Fatai Akinbade has said that he is confident of winning the election that witnessed massive turnout in Ogbaagba, olaoluwa local government of the State.
Akinbade who spoke shortly after casting his vote said he was happy with the massive turnout of the people and the security arrangements put in place.
According to him history is about to be made as he was confident that he would coast home in victory at the end of the exercise.
He however regretted that vote buying which all the political parties claimed to avoid was going on at ward 3unit1-3 where he voted by a particular party adding that this will not assist our democracy.
Aregbesola votes
Osun state governor , Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola with wife, Serifat while voting at Ward 8 Unit 1 Ifofin area of Ilesa around 11.54 am. Photo: Adesoji Adeniyi.
Women waiting to vote at unit 004 AUD primary school Akinfenwa, Iwo
Aragbiji upbeat about Oyetola’s victory
By Bisi Oladele, Iragbiji
The Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrosheed Olabomi, has expressed optimism about Gboyega Oyetola’s victory in Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
Oyetola, who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election, hails from Iragbiji.
The monarch, who cast his vote in front of his palace at 11:17 am, told The Nation at his palace that he was not surprised at the massive turnout of his subjects in today’s election because the APC candidate is one of his subjects that is committed to the development of the town and welfare of indigenes.
Supervisor hails peaceful electoral process in Ede
By Raymond Mordi
The Supervisor in charge of proceedings at Ward 2 and Ward 3, Jagunjagun registration area (13 polling units), Mrs Nkem Okoronkwo, has attributed the peace that characterised the voting process in Ede axis so far on the insistence on due process by INEC commissioners.
She said: “Everything is peaceful and calm, and our ad-hoc staff are working hard to ensure that prospective voters are given the opportunity to freely vote for the candidate of their choice.
“Our commissioners stood their ground to ensure that due process is followed and every stakeholder is carried along.
“Our ballot papers are customised, the effect is that there is no room for manipulation. People have realised that the era of ballot boxes snatching is gone.
“I pray that we will continue to witness such peaceful conduct all over the state.”
Two PDP agents held for vote buying attempts
By Precious Igbonwelundu
Police on Election Duty in Osun State have arrested two suspects for alleged attempts to influence voters with money.
Muriat Olalekan, 61 and Hamzat Muniru, 65 were arrested at St. Mary Grammar School, Elewe-Iwo.
It was gathered that the police recoveredN 604, 000 from them.
According to the suspects, the money was given to them by one Akin Abiodun, a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ward chairman in Molete Ward 1.
Confirming the arrest, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Operations and security Coordinator, Joshak Habila said the case was under investigation.
He said the police would arrest, investigate and then handover all suspects to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Hebila said: “So far, there have been arrest for some infractions. Somebody was caught discussing how much money is to be shared.
“I do not have the update on the number of arrests made but I know that not less than two people have been picked up for trying to influence votes.
“We will arrest, investigate and then, hand over to INEC for prosecution.”
Timi of Ede sues for peace
By Raymond Mordi in Ede
The traditional ruler of Edeland, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, has hailed the peaceful process so far witnessed in his domain, adding that anybody who loses the election under this circumstances should accept the verdict and leave every other thing to God Almighty.
Oba Lawal, the Lamisa 1 of Edeland, said prior to today’s election, he and other authorities have been appealing to all stakeholders to tow the path of peace, “because it is the Almighty God that enthroned rulers.
He added: “The atmosphere of peace is key to development. For development to happen in any community, there must be peace.”
Mob attack ex-lawmaker for driving to polling unit
By Dare Odufowokan
At Polling unit 16, ward 5 Osogbo, voters attacked a former Councillor in the state , Sobur Ajetinmobi for driving his red Toyota Camry car to the unit.
But for the quick intervention of security men, he would have been mobbed by angry voters.
They accused him of coming to the place with money in his booth to induce voters.
But the man denied it saying he relocated to a farther distance after the last election and could not have trekked all the way.
Normalcy returned after he was forced to move his car away from the area
Omisore casts his vote
By Joseph Jibueze, Ife
Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Osun State, Dr Iyiola Omisore, has cast his vote.
He voted in Unit 003, Ward 1, located in St Gabriel Primary School, Moore, Ile-Ife.
He voted at exactly 11.16 am, having arrived the unit at about 11.04am am.
He was accompanied by his aides, with supporters chanting “Abere Straight!” in reference to the government house.
Voting in Osogbo metropolis generally peaceful
Voting has commenced in Osogbo metropolis and is so far generally peaceful.
Though one Hon. Werenise of the PDP has been arrested for vote buying at polling unit 16 at Technical area of ward 5 in Osogbo.
PDP chieftains flaunting no movement rule – Police
…Police on red alert
By Precious Igbonwelundu
Some People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains including a very prominent Nigerian have been patrolling round Osun State, security report available to the police indicate.
To this end, the Security Coordinator Joshak Habila, a Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) has ordered all field operatives to arrest them on sight.
Habila who said they had no business moving round the state on election day, noted that the Electoral Act, 2011, clearly stipulates those allowed to move about on election day.
He said: “We have reports that a big personality in the country who is not supposed to be here was sighted moving around with some others. I have told my men to prevent his further movement once he is seen. We will also bring him to justice.”
On the conduct of the election so far, he said the exercise has been smooth and peaceful, commending the people for displaying maturity.
The Nation reports that the security team comprising police, DSS, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and others have visited several polling units in Osogbo, Ede and Ife.
He said: “We deployed lesser number of security personnel because Osun State has less flash points and it is peaceful. Osun citizens have mature minds and they are accommodating.
“They have shown that they understand the rules of the game, are ready to submit to constituted authority and play according to rules of the game.
“You have heard the observers yourself and they have commended the smoothness of the process. You can also see the security men deployed and how they are doing their jobs. I have told the observers that our target is to set the pace for other African nations to emulate.”
At Ife, the Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 111, urged voters to shun violence in the interest of democracy.
The ADP deputy governor candidate Prof Durotoye have express concerns over the irregularities of the card readers provided and deemed it unfit for usage.
He however lauded the orderliness of the voters and confident that ADP will emerge victorious after the election
Suspects arrested for alleged vote buying in Iwo
APC will win election, says Akande
By Musa Odoshimokhe
Former Osun State Governor Chief Bisi Akande has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will win the governorship election in the state.
The former governor who arrived his polling unit 012, Isedo 1, Ila Orangun at 10 am, said Osun is the home of the progressives, noting that the people would vote the APC.
He said the conduct of the election had been encouraging, stressing that it was very peaceful and relaxed.
He added that today’s election was different from the previous ones, noting that the people of Ila came out with enthusiasm to cast their votes.
The APC stalwart said: “The process has been very peaceful, very relaxed and I am comfortable with the conduct. The people of Ila and environs witness are in high spirit celebrate democracy.
” Unlike in the past with particular reference to the last four years election, when people were dying to cast their votes, this time around it is much more relax and better. I have across and the story is the same everywhere.
Akande maintained that the arrangement had been wonderful, noting that all the agencies involved in the conduct of the election should take the credits.
“My expectation is that everything will turn out satisfactory and well to the comfort of democracy. Democracy will continue to thrive in the country.
” So far, my party will win the election, we have always had the confidence, particularly in the Ila area. We are going to win, let me say it again because the people are comfortable with the APC,” he said.
Omisore arrives polling unit, ready to vote
*Voters at Ifetedo and Esa Oke also complaining about malfunctioning card readers
*Card reader still malfunctioning at Asaure Ward 1, Ife South LGA, and at Unit 5, Ward 4, Igbajo.
Osun Assembly speaker hails huge voters turnout
House of Assembly Speaker Dr Najim Salam, after voting in Ejigbo, hailed the huge turnout of voters and the peaceful atmosphere, urging the electorate to sustain the tempo of transquility.
Election observers at Ede
By Emmanuel Oladesu
Election observers Ajayi Popoola, Nelson Ekunjimi, Dotun Atilade and Olaitan Adegbola at Ede
Voting process is slow in Iwo
Leke Salaudeen, Iwo
The voting process in Ward 12, Post office, Iwo is very slow due to malfunctioning of card readers.
Voters who have spent hours on the queue are complaining but promised to endure.
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials arrived with materials at their polling units before 8am.
The turn out in all polling units monitored by our correspondent was huge.
Old men and women that could not stand on their own were given support by their relatives.
INEC officials gave preference to the elderly people and pregnant women.
A 90 year old community leader, Alhaji Belau Oja-Anabi told our correspondent after casting his vote in unit 5, ward 12, “I am grateful to Allah for sparing my life to take part in today ‘s election.
Another elderly woman who simply identified herself as Alhaja Rabiat said she traveled all the way from Abidjan, Cote D’Voir with her family for the election.
The election process has been peaceful in Iwo.
Massive turnout in Iragbiji
…as Oyetola hails exercise, confident of winning
Bisi Oladele, Iragbiji
Sons and daughters of Iragbiji turned out in large number expectedly to vote for one of their own, Gboyega Oyetola, who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in today’s election.
Residents stormed polling units as early as 6:30 am awaiting staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to commence the voting exercise that was slated for 8:00 am.
In most of the polling units visited by our reporter, accreditation and voting commenced as scheduled with the card readers working in nearly perfect condition.
Oyetola arrived at the L. A. School, Popo, Iragbiji at exactly 10:05 am. At 10:10, he did his accreditation. The card reader could not read his fingerprint the first time but succeeded the second time. He proceeded to cast his vote at 10:12.
His wife, Kafayat, did the same immediately after her husband. But the card reader could not read her fingerprint until the third attempt.
Clad in a white native attire with an orange cap to match, Oyetola described the exercise as peaceful and well organized.
He also told reporters that reports from other parts of the state suggested that it has been a peaceful exercise so far. He hailed the INEC for a smooth process and also commended Osun residents for conducting themselves peacefully as they performed their civic duties.
A total of 1,278 voters were registered at his polling unit.
Impressive turnout at Ogbaagba
The turn out of voters was very impressive at Ogbaagba in Olaoluwa local government area of Osun state.
The gubernatorial candidate of ADC Alhaji Fatso Akinbade voted at 10:40am
Alabi votes, says APC won’t disappoint
Muyiwa Lucas, Ikire
The Deputy gubernatorial candidate of the APC in today’s election, Mr. Benedict Alabi, has just voted.
He dropped his ballot paper at 10:12am at the Ward 6 Unit 7 inside Baptist Day Primary School, Iyana Egba street, Ikire.
Dressed in white native buba and Sokoto, Alabi exclusively told The Nation after voting that he is confident of his party’s victory at the end of the day.
He assured the electorates that the APC will not disappoint or betray the confidence reposed in them.
“For now the election has been peaceful. We are confident. Although it is not really possible Le to gauge voters turnout because accreditation and voting takes place simultaneously, but with the crowd I have seen , I am impressed,” he said.
And as he walked through the streets back to his home, shouts of “BOA” Alabi, an abbreviation from his name Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, rented the air.
Voters at unit 19D Woleola Estate Osogbo
Precious Igbonwelundu
An aged woman being accredited at ward 10 unit 4 in Ede. Photo: Solomn Adeniyi
86-year-old woman (right) on a 4km trek to her polling unit in Osogbo
Ikire, massive turn out of voters
By Muyiwa Lucas
The turnout of voters in Ikire is not only impressive but also very peaceful. While the military has been able to stem the earlier free vehicular movement within the metropolis, the Police, supported by other security agencies on the other hand have done well so far in manning the polling units.
I’m confident of winning says Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, The governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP)
Voting process on going in Ede
Raymond Mordi, Ede
Voting process is on going in parts of Ede North and South Local Government Areas visited by our reporter so far.
Officials and prospective voters came out ahead of time, as early as 7am.
Simultaneous accreditation and voting is taking place in all the units visited so far; there are no signs of anything untoward. Security officials are all over the place, to ensure that everything goes well.
There were incidences of card reader failures in most of the polling units and incidence forms were filled and the people involved allowed to cast their ballot.
A man who fell off a motorcycle being resuscitated by voter at Atewogbade. Some blame him for no obeying no vehicular movement order.
Police arrest two for vote buying in Iwo
PDP stalwart in Ikire, Lere Oyewunmi just voted now in Ward 9 Unit 9. He is hopeful of victory for his party. According to him, the peaceful environment and impressive turnout gives him great hope of victory.
90-year-old man waiting to be accredited at Ward 4 Unit 3 Iron Osun
Voters at Ward 4 unit 6, Baptist Government Elementary School OshogboVoters at Ward 4 unit 6, Baptist Government Elementary School Oshogbo
PDP governorship candidate,Senator Ademola Adeleke, casting his vote at his polling unit 009, Ward 2, Abogunde/Sagba registration area, Ede NorthPDP governorship candidate,Senator Ademola Adeleke arriving his polling unit 009, Ward 2, Abogunde/Sagba registration area, Ede North
Accreditation at Unit 13 Fatness Ward 4 Oshogbo. Photo: Olusegun RaphaelPDP governorship candidate,Senator Ademola Adeleke, with his allies. Adeleke says Victory is assured
The card reader is now working and Hon. Biodun Babalola, a member of the house of assembly is being accredited at his IDo Osun polling unitThe PO has given out the guidelines for the election at ward 4 unit 6 new motor park ido Osun in Egbedore LG. Photo: Solomon Adeniyi
Accreditation has started in unit 6 ward 4 but the officials seems to be having issues with the card reader. Photo : Solomon Adeniyi
Prospective voters check their names on the INEC list at IDo OsunLimota Odetayo, 85 (left) and Rabiatu Afolabi, 97 waiting to cast their vote at Unit 8, Isedo, Ila.
Voting queue already seen in ILA ward 06 unit 11, Iperin, Ora Road.
In ward 8 unit 3, Olorunda LGA, INEC adhoc staffs addressing voters. Turnout looks impressive.
Voting has commenced in Ikire Ward 9 Unit 1. Party agents got the nod to vote first. The exercise is peaceful so far. A foreign observer, Ajasa Olaseni, said so far things are going well. However the elderly people on the queue are complaining of fatigue.
INEC official briefing voters on the dos and don’t before the election at polling unit 012, Isedo, Ila Orangun.
Prospective voters check their names on the INEC list in OsogboThe INEC adoch staff rolling out the guidelines for the election to the electorate, agents and observers at unit 19 ward 5 in Osogbo. Photo: Solomon Adeniyi
Prospective voters check their names on the INEC list at PU 29/30/04/020 opposite old governors officeSecurity agents have arrived Oriade local government area Ward: Ipetu Ijesa Ward 10. INEC are getting ready for the voting process
Details on Osun Election
1,687,492 registered voters
48 governorship candidates
1,246,915 PVC distributed
3010 polling units
332 registration areas
30 local governments
4,700 card readers
Over 40 local and international observers
INEC National Commissioner, Festus Okoye Esq at the distribution centre of electoral materials at Ede South Local Government of Osun State.
Mr Aboluwoye Akinwande, the State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, on Saturday says the ongoing election in the state is so far peaceful.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Osun gubernatorial election got underway in the early hours of Saturday morning with a large turnout of voters who came out for the accreditation exercise.
Akinwande told NAN in an interview that the election was so far peaceful, adding that NSCDC officers were also on ground in all the polling units across the state to maintain peace.
“All the officers have been deployed to their various polling units, divisions and the state in general.
“They are already on ground and the election has started. While I was on patrol this morning, I saw a lot of people going to their various polling units and the polling units I passed through were very peaceful.
He, however, noted that there were certain pockets of challenges that had to do with the political status of most of the contestants.
“Let me start with APC; the APC candidate, who happens to be the former Chief of Staff of the state.
“The PDP candidate also happens to be a federal senator. The SDP contestant happens to be a former senator and a former deputy governor and he is still very active in politics.
“Also the ADP candidate happens to be a former Secretary to State Government of Osun State before he decamped to ADP.
“He has also been a grassroots politician from ACN to AD to even APC and now to ADP. So he is a grassroots man.
“So we have all these people contesting and when they are contesting, you will find out that there might be some pockets of challenges, ‘’he said.
Akinwande also noted that due to some of these challenges, some thugs had been arrested, while some have been charged to court.
According to him, these are some of the challenges we are having but thank God the challenges have been solved.
Akinwande, however, said that a huge number of NSCDC officers had been deployed to Osun to ensure peaceful conduct of the election.
“Aside from Osun, we have officers and men from Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, Kwara and Kogi, who are actively involved in this gubernatorial election; so you could imagine the type of deployment.
“There are also deployments from the National headquarters. We have from the Directorate of Rescue Management, Peace and Conflict and Kennel.
“We have officers from Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Squad, Chemical Biological Radioactive and Nuclear Explosives, among others.
“All these are just to tell you about the deployment and how active the NSCDC has been in ensuring a peaceful election in the state,’’ he said. (NAN)
Former Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adejare Bello, has hailed the conduct of the election in his polling unit, adding that he would give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a passmark, if the same scenario is replicated at the various polling units across the state.
His words: “As far as this polling unit is concerned, I would say so far, so good. We have been restricted from moving around during the election, so I have no way of knowing what is happening elsewhere.
“But, if what us happening here is replicated in all the polling units, I will give INEC a passmark and I will say that the exercise has been successful.
“At this polling unit, the disabled were given the opportunity to cast their votes; some of them were assisted by their able-bodied counterparts.
“As you can see, voting is still underway at this unit as at 1.30pm. This is because we have close to a thousand registered voters are registered here and the turnout is quite high.”
The Women Arise for Change Initiative, an election monitoring group has commended the large turnout of voters for Osun governorship election on Saturday.
President of the group, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, who gave the commendation while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ile-Ife, said the turnout of voters was impressive.
Okei-Odumakin lauded the readiness of the electorate to cast their votes, adding that the group deployed more than 100 observers for the election.
The rights activist commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the timely arrival of voting materials across the polling units.
Okei-Odumakin also commended the security agents for displaying high sense of professionalism in discharging their duties.
“Unlike what we experienced during the Ekiti governorship election, security agencies are very civil and polite in the discharge of their duties here in Osun and we want that to continue,’’ Okei-Odumakin said.
She also commended politicians for displaying high sense of good conduct so far in the election.
“So far so good. The election is going on smoothly without any report of ballot snatching or thuggery, ‘’ Okei-Odumakin said.
Also speaking, Mr Babatunde Olatunji, a member of the Osun House of Assembly, commended INEC for the timely arrival of ad hoc staff and voting materials at the polling units.
Olatunji (APC-Ife North) said: “Aside that the voters’ turnout was impressive, the process has been peaceful and electorate are excited to exercise their rights.
“The election materials arrived on time.
“I am optimistic that the election will be free, fair and devoid of any form of violence.’’
The Osun State governorship election commenced peacefully in all parts Ilesa, the homestead of the incumbent governor, Rauf Aregbesola.
Electoral materials and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) arrived various polling centers as early as few minutes before 7.00 am.
The governor, who arrived Ilesa around 11.00 am, drove straight to his family house in Ogbon Arogbo, Ifofin in Ilesa East Local Government area of the state.
The governor alongside his wife, Serifat, came out to vote at Ward 8 Unit 1 Ifofin polling booth around 11.50 am after accreditation.
He spoke with reporters shortly, describing the conduct of the election as peaceful and large turn out of voters as impressive.
Aregbesola, who commended the people for trooping out to vote and conducting themselves in a decent manner, said reports reaching him from all parts of the state show that the exercise was going on well.
He expressed hope that voters will sustain their peaceful disposition to the election.
The Presiding Officer Ward 8 Unit 1 Ifofin, where the governor is expected to vote, Saheed Lawal, said all electoral materials arrived on time, adding that accreditation and voting commenced immediately at 8.00 am.
According to him, the polling booths split into two have 818 registered voters.
Our correspondent reported that voting exercise was peaceful in many polling centers within Ilesa East and Ilesa West local government areas, including Ward 1 unit 8, Ward 2 unit 2, Ward 7 unit 1, Ward 7 unit 6 and Ward 8 unit 1.
Police on Election Duty in Osun State have arrested two suspects for alleged attempts to influence voters with money.
Muriat Olalekan, 61 and Hamzat Muniru, 65 were arrested at St. Mary Grammar School, Elewe-Iwo.
It was gathered that the police recovered 604, 000 from them.
According to the suspects, the money was given to them by one Akin Abiodun, a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ward chairman in Molete Ward 1.
Confirming the arrest, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Operations and security Coordinator, Joshak Habila said the case was under investigation.
He said the police would arrest, investigate and then handover all suspects to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Hebila said: “So far, there have been arrest for some infractions. Somebody was caught discussing how money is to be shared. When he was searched, the money was found and he confessed. It is quite a reasonable amount of money. It happened in the eastern part of the state.
“I do not have the update on the number of arrests made but I know that not less than two people have been picked up for trying to influence votes.
“We will arrest, investigate and then, hand over to INEC for prosecution.”
The Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrosheed Olabomi, has expressed optimism about Gboyega Oyetola’s victory in Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
Oyetola, who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election, hails from Iragbiji.
The monarch, who cast his vote in front of his palace at 11:17 am, told The Nation at his palace that he was not surprised at the massive turnout of his subjects in today’s election because the APC candidate is one of his subjects that is committed to the development of the town and welfare of indigenes.
Oba Olabomi explained that Oyetola has been in the forefront of human capital development of the town in recent decades, offering scholarships to indigent students, supporting community projects and sponsoring free health services to the masses.
“Even before he became the Chief of Staff, he had been very supportive. There has never been a time he held back in his responsibilities to the town as a major indigene. He has impacted almost every home in Iragbiji, helping young people to secure employment, supporting students and helping many people with health challenges.” Olabomi said.
The traditional ruler revealed that reports from other parts of the state confirmed that there were large turnout of voters in the election which he believes would be in favour of his subject.
Based on his expectation and the enthusiasm of his subjects, he advised them against wild jubilation when Oyetola is hopefully declared winner. He advised them to celebrate moderately, reminding them that the candidate is a gentleman and that Iragbiji is known for peace.
