The Saturday local government elections in Ondo State was largely characterised by low turnout of voters and logistical challenges at the early stage of the exercise in most polling centres.
Correspondents, who monitored the exercise across the state, report that the elections scheduled to hold from 8:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. did not start in most polling units until 10:00a.m.
In most polling centres visited in Ilutitun, Ode-Aye, Okitipupa, Ikoya and Igbodigo in Okitipupa Local Government Area, there were no voters as at 10:15a.m.
In some of the polling centres, officials of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) were seen sitting idle waiting for electorate, who were not in sight.
At Units 001, 002, 010 and 012, Okitipupa Ward 1, and Units 001, 012 and 013, Okitipupa Ward 13, ODIEC adhoc staff were yet to arrive as at 10.05a.m.
Most of the polling centres visited at Oba-Ile in Akure North Local Government and Ilara in Ifedore Local Government, were virtually empty as at 10:00a.m.
There was peaceful atmosphere in some of the units visited as few voters were waiting for electoral officials for accreditation and voting process.
The Presiding Officer in Unit 4, Ward 9, Oba-Ile, Akure North Local Government, Mr Bayo Akoledowo, said that the election started by 8:30a.m. and the turnout had been “relatively good.”
A voter at the polling unit, Chief Michael Aladesaye, commended the peaceful conduct of the election.
At the Unit 9, Ward 9, Oba-Ile, Mr Martins Fagoroyo, one of the voters, said that the turnout was impressive, adding that more voters would still turn out to vote.
At the Polling Unit 7, Ward 9, in Oba-Ile, Mr Adesoye Fagoroyo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Councillorship Candidate, said that the election had been peaceful with “large turnout.”
Fagoroyo added that his victory was guaranteed being the only contestant in the ward.
Voting process started at about 9:35a.m at Unit 7 and Unit 27, Ward 4, Akure, in Akure South Local Government with scanty voters.
At Unit 22, Ward 4 in Akure South Local Government Area, the Presiding Officer, Mrs Olayemi Olarewanju, stated that the late arrival of the voting materials caused the delay in the commencement of the voting process.
Olarewanju added that a total of 387 voters were expected in the unit.
Also speaking, the APC Vice Chairmanship Candidate in Akure South Local Government, who just cast his vote at the unit, Mr Adebayo Ayodele, said that people came out en masse to exercise their franchise.
Ayodele said that he was confident that his party would be victorious in the election due to its popularity and acceptance.
Ondo residents rate LG poll
Meanwhile, some residents of Okitipupa in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, have attributed lack of confidence in the electoral process for the apathy to Saturday’s local government election in Ondo State.
It was that many residents did not come out to cast their votes at the polling centres across the state. It was also observed that some residents went about their normal businesses while others stayed indoors in parts of the state.
Some private and commercial vehicles, as well as motorcycles were seen on the roads while a few traders opened their shops to customers.
In a separate interviews with NAN, on Saturday in Okitipupa, some of the residents said that their votes were not likely to change anything.
They called on the government to find lasting solution to the poor economy for citizens to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
A commercial driver at the Okitipupa New Garage, who simply gave his name as Segun, told NAN that he had lost confidence in the electoral process and that was why he did not bother to go and vote.
“What have we gained from all the elections we have been participating in? Nothing but untold hardship and hunger. I no longer have interest in the process,” he said.
Mr Charles Ikuedowo, a commercial motorcyclist, said that there was serious hunger in the country and the only way out now was to be dedicated to work in order to feed the family,” he said.
Also, Madam Felicia Akingbaso, a beverage vendor, said that she considered participation in the election a waste of time.
According to her, politicians seeking votes of the electorate make promises when campaigning, but after their victory disappear.
She urged the government to give priority to residents’ welfare for them to enjoy dividends of democracy.
A charcoal dealer who simply gave her name as Yetunde, said that going to the polling centre to vote was a waste of time.