..Tribunal fixes Marc 7 for adoption of written addresses
The Osun State Governorship Election Tribunal heard on Wednesday how the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ademola Adeleke allegedly promised to bribe electorate with money while he was campaigning for the rerun election held on September 27, 2018.
A witness, Kazeem Oladejo told the tribunal that Adeleke visited his community, Idi-Iya in Orolu Local Government, Osun State to campaign, during which he allegedly promised openly, to give people money should the electorate vote for him.
Oladejo, who was the second witness of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the revelation while being cross-examined by Wole Olanipekun (SAN), who led the legal team of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
Olanipekun asked the witness if Adeleke visited his (witness’) community between September 22, 2018 (when the initial election was held) and September 27, 2018 (when the rerun election was held).
In response, the witness said: “In between the first election and when the rerun election was conducted, the first petitioner (Adeleke) came to my village to canvass for vote.
“He came to our town, dancing. He went to our Oba’s palace and went around the town, dancing and campaigning, and saying, I am coming fully now.
“Many big Nigerians are supporting me, like Femi Otedola and Dangote. Vote for me and I will give you money, gbagam! I will give you dollars, gbagam! I will give you pound sterling, gbagam! I will give you Euro, gbagam!’
“He (Adeleke) said it categorically that Femi Otedola and Dangote have given him money. He mentioned all kinds of money, like dollars, pound sterling and Euro.
“He danced around the town and danced out of the town, while he was leaving after the campaign,” the witness said.
As the witness spoke, member of the tribunal took note, while the audience erupted in laughter, with some repeating the word: Gbagam.
Adeleke and the PDP are challenging the outcome of the last governorship election in Osun State, won by APC’s candidate, Oyetola.
Earlier, while being led in evidence by APC’s lawyer, Abiodun Layonu (SAN), Oladejo, (who was listed as the respondent’s 13th witness (but second for the third respondent – APC), said he acted as Polling Unit agent for the APC in Unit4 Ward 8 Idi-Iya Village, Orolu LG.
He confirmed signing a written deposition and asked the tribunal to accept the deposition as his evidence before the tribunal.
Under cross-examination by lawyer to the first respondent – Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) – Adesina Agbede, the witness said he stood by all that are contained in his written deposition, which the tribunal admitted as his oral evidence in the case.
Under cross-examination by lawyer to Adeleke and PDP, Nathaniel Oke (SAN), the witness said he did not include the information, about how Adeleke promised to bribe electorate, in his written deposition.
When asked by Oke whether the election was monitored by observers, Oladejo said there were many observers. He said both local and foreign observers were at his polling unit.
The first APC’s witness for the day (listed as R12), was Soji Ayoola, who said he is a teacher and was APC’s agent in Unit 8, Ward 9 in Isundurin, Ejigbo LG.
Led in evidence by Layonu, the witness adopted his written statement, which the tribunal admitted in evidence.
Under cross-examination by Agbede, Ayoola said his polling unit was won by the PDP with 168 votes as against APC’s 86 votes.
He said the election was held in accordance with the required standard.
He said he was accredited before being allowed to vote.
He said he voted once, and that, at the close of ballot, the results were announced to the hearing of all.
The witness said: “Before the election, all the materials were shown to us and the ballot papers were counted at the end of the election.”
The witness said all party agents in his polling unit signed the result sheet, following which a pink copy of the result sheets was handed to each of the agents.
Under cross-examination by Olanipekun, the witness confirmed that the PDP won in the unit where he served as agent.
Ayoola said the votes were already sorted out, counted and announced before the information was entered into the Form EC8A (the result sheet from his polling unit).
The witness, who read from the Form EC8A, noted that the total number of issued ballot papers for his polling unit were 714 while the total number of used and unused ballot papers stood 711, which was less than the number issued.
He said a total number of unused ballot papers were 361 while 350 was the total number of used ballot papers.
The witness said while total number of used and unused ballot papers in his polling unit amounted to 711 the result sheet contained 714 as the total number of allocated ballot papers.
The witness said 48 political parties participated in the election and that agents of the parties signed the result sheets after the election.
He said the result sheets, which all the agents signed, had carbon copies, which were attached to them.
At that point, Olanipekun asked the witness to demonstrate how he signed the result sheets. The witness was provided with a copy of the result sheet and a carbon sheet, on which he signed three times.
The specimen of the witness’ signature was later tendered by Olanipekun, which the tribunal, in the absence of objection from the other parties, admitted in evidence and marked as: Exhibit R169A.
At the conclusion of Oladejo’s testimony, Akin Olujinmi (SAN), who led the APC’s legal team, told the tribunal that the third respondent has decided to close its case after calling its second witness.
Following agreement by parties, tribunal’s Chairman, Justice Ibrahim Sirajo directed the respondents (INEC, Oyetola and APC) to file their written addresses within 10 days.
He asked the petitioners to file their written addresses within seven days after the respondents have filed and served them, following which the respondents will, again have five days, within which to file their written reply on point of law.
The tribunal Chairman adjourned to March 7 this year, for parties to adopt their final written addresses.
Proceedings resumed on Monday before the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja with the petitioners calling 10 more witnesses.
The petitioners – the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the last governorship election in Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke – are contesting the outcome of the election won by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adegboyega Oyetola.
The 10 witnesses called on Monday by the petitioners brought to 34 the number of witnesses so far called by the petitioners, who planned to call over 100.
All the witnesses called on Monday, most of who were barely literate artisans, alleged that there were over-voting at the polling units where they served as agents of the PDP.
Some of the witnesses could not read the statements they claimed to have signed and adopted before the tribunal on Monday as their evidence in chief in the case.
The witnesses, most of whom could also not express themselves fluently in English language, were however unable to substantiate their allegations of over-voting.
When asked, under cross-examination, to provide proof of their claimed over-voting, the witnesses would point to some alterations in the result sheets tendered before the court.
When reminded, by respondents’ lawyers, that they signed the said result sheets on their own volition, the witnesses would claim to have signed after protesting.
At a point, some of the witnesses became unruly as they refused to answer questions under cross-examination, thereby necessitating occasional intervention by tribunal’s Chairman, Justice Ibrahim Sirajo.
Some of the witnesses, also confessed, under cross-examination, that they were not the actual PDP’s agents, whose names were submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the election.
One of the witnesses, Mrs. Victoria Fadeke Alo admitted that it was actually another agent – Ilesanmi Samson Taiwo – who signed the result sheet as agent of the PDP in the polling unit she claimed to have represented the party.
Under cross-examination by Wole Olanipekun (SAN) who appeared for Oyetola, Mrs Alo admitted that she was not the Ilesanmi Samson Taiwo, whose name appeared on the result sheet as the PDP agent.
Another witness, Oyedokun Wasiu Soyode, who said he acted as PDP agent at Polling Unit 9, Ward 5 in Ejigbo Local Government also admitted not being the actual agent whose name was sent to INEC.
Soyode, who was cross-examined by John Baiyeshea (SAN), who took over from Olanipekun, said his name was not on the list of party agent sent to INEC.
He said it was his brother, Lateef Taiwo, who was the original agent whose name was sent to INEC, but took ill on the election day and was later admitted in the hospital.
He said the development informed why he was asked to take his brother’s place.
Also, Shehu Mufutau Alani , who said he acted as PDP agent in Unit 8, Ward 7, Iwo Local Government, also admitted not being the party agent, whose name was submitted to INEC.
He said one Fadirat Isiaka, whose name was submitted fell sick few day before the election, a development that informed his choice as a replacement.
Under cross-examination by lawyer to the APC, Lasun Sanusi (SAN), Ajani said his lawyer wrote the witness’s statement, which he signed.
He denied knowledge of where the lawyer got the information he wrote on the statement.
Oyedele Waliu Ayinla, who said he acted as PDP agent at Unit 002, Ward 9 in Egbedore Local Government, could not read his statement when asked to read a portion of it.
He was the petitioners’ last witness for the day. Further hearing continues Tuesday, Jan. 8.
A faith-based Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Justice, Development And Peace Makers’ Centre (JDPMC), in partnership with the International Foundation For Electoral Systems (IFES), has called on all political parties that participated in the just concluded Osun governorship election to submit their audited reports on campaign finances to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before or by next March.
Addressing reporters at a press briefing in Osogbo, the state capital, the General Coordinator of the JDPMC, Rev. Fr. Peter Akinkunmi, said the political parties are also expected to publish the reports in at least two national dailies in compliance with the provisions of Electoral Act of 2010, as amended. He further disclosed that the INEC is expected to make copies of the financial reports of the political parties available to the public as required by the provisions of section 93 of the Electoral Acts.
Akinkunmi, who advised the INEC in collaboration with other regulatory agencies to ensure any political party that fails to comply is sanctioned, disclosed that all political parties in 2015 general elections failed to submit their financial report six months after the exercise. He lamented that the INEC has not initiated any legal action against defaulting political parties in the past elections.
Akinkunmi also disclosed that the JPDMC ‘s findings include tracking of all political activities such as rallies, expenses on posters and bill boards, branded campaign vehicles and media engagement by three political parties in the poll, the ruling All Progressives Congress, the People’s Democratic Party and the Social Democratic Party, across the 30 local governments of the state for three months, spanning the beginning of their campaigns up to the rerun election on September 27. According to him, the findings revealed that the APC spent N969,516,000 million, the PDP expended N597,678,000 and the SDP incurred N349,707,000.
United States Consul General in Lagos F. John Bray, who was in Osogbo to monitor the rerun election, has described the process as credible.
He said he did not observe any malpractices or violations of the Electoral Act in Unit 17, Ward 5 where the rerun election took place.
Bray was at the unit from morning when voting started till result was announced at about 3.50pm.
Asked about his observations, he said: “The process has been credible.”
On allegations that some voters were denied access to some units by thugs, Bray said: “There are things going on in six other units. I cannot comment on those things.
“I’m here as an observer today. All I can talk about is what’s in front of me. And today in Osogbo its working fine.
“At this polling unit things have been going on pretty well today. No problem with card readers; people have been orderly.
“We have party agents here from all the political parties. I’m not hearing a lot of complaints. I haven’t seen any vote buying here.”
On why he was there personally to monitor the election, Bray said it was due to the importance the United States attaches to democratic processes.
“The United States is interested in democracy, because we’re a democratic country. So, we always support elections and democracy in Nigeria.
“I observe all the elections personally and I was here last week,” he said.
On how he rates the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Bray said: “From what I’ve seen so far in Osogbo, INEC’s performance is fine.”
Bray, who was at the unit when gunshots were fired around noon, praised the security agencies for preventing any disruptions.
“There was someone who tried to disrupt the poll. They quickly got the unit back to order. The Police and security services came together.
“There was somebody trying to upset the balance, but he didn’t,” Bray said.
…Court orders release of PDP chieftains arrested for allegedly buying voters’ cards
The Nigeria Police Force on Wednesday said its men and officers were prepared to deal decisively with any trouble maker before during and after the rerun election holding on Thursday in four council areas of the state.
Addressing newsmen at the Police Command headquarters in Osogbo, Osun State, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Department of Operations (DOPS) in the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, Joshak Habila, said from intelligence report, some people are planning to disrupt election Thursday.
The Supervising DIG for Osun 2018 governorship election said: “We have an intelligence report that, there is a grand plan to turn the election gruesomely violent and deadly by arming thugs to unleash mayhem at polling centers. As law enforcement agencies, the Police and other security agencies would not permit the breakdown of law and order.
“Those of them preparing for “fire for fire” must be ready to bear the consequences of their actions which designed to undermine this particular democratic process. It should be noted that the Nigeria Police Force will remain proactive and would not rest it oars in its task to decode the identities of those democratic enemies.
“Residents are requested to be law abiding and go about their lawful duties without fear and with the full assurance of the protection of law abiding citizens and voters who are out there to exercises their franchise.
“The Police and other law enforcement agencies have been deployed to maintain law and order and protect lives and property of the residents in Osun.
“In the areas where re-run election is to be held, only eligible voters with their voting cards and other personnel with due accreditation would be allowed to come near the polling units.
“Residents should report all suspicious activities to the Police, such as solicitation for votes, buying of Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) and any plan to rig or disrupt the election.
“Troublemakers and other interlopers are warned to keep away from the polling units and indeed from any part of the state. The police and other security agencies will leave no stone unturned to protect lives and property and maintain peace.
Meanwhile, Justice A. O. Ayoola of an Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo, has ordered the release of a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Fatai Diekola Oyedele, and his two aides, Alhaji Adekilekun Segun and Alhaji Sikiru Lawal.
They were arrested on Monday for allegedly buying voters’ cards at Alekuwodo, Osogbo, one of the poling units where the rerun will take place on Thursday.
The trio had approached the court with a Motion Exparte, asking the court to order their release from police detention.
Ruling on the Motion Exparte on Wednesday, Justice Ayoola, granted the prayer of the Applicants and ordered the police to release them immediately.
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.
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.
The governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Alhaji Moshood Adeoti said he was confident that he would win.
Adeoti who spoke to reporters shortly after casting his vote at Unit 4, Ward 12, Post office frontage, Iwo, said his popularity cut across the three senatorial districts in the state.
He said “if you watch our campaign train you would observe that we were received by huge crowd every where. l am a grass root politician. I have served my people, laid down my life my life in the process. I’m going to reap from the goodwill of my people. ”
The Police have arrested four suspected thugs in Ife.
They were found with wraps of Indian Hemp in their pockets.
The four rode on a bike and the Police said they were suspected to be political thugs.
They were caught around More in Ile-Ife, not too far from the Ooni’s Palace.
A Chief Superintendent of Police Aliyu Shuaibu, who led a team of other officers, told our reporter that the suspects could not satisfactorily explain their mission.
He said: “They were four on top of a bike, with tattoos. We suspected them and stopped them, knowing that they had a mission.
“From their physical appearance and hairstyles, we suspected they were political thugs.
“We checked their pockets only to see several wraps of Indian Hemp, indicating they were ready to go and smoke, then go and cause trouble. That’s why we took them in.”
