The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured residents of a peaceful and secure environment for the Ondo South Senatorial District by-election held across six local government areas of the state.
Speaking after casting his vote in Ilaje Local Government Area on Saturday, the Governor expressed confidence in the conduct of the poll and urged eligible voters to participate without fear.
“We expect a good turnout of the people even though it is a bye-election. If you look at the candidate of our party, Professor Dayo Faduyile, a former President of the Nigerian Medical Association, and considering the primary election that took place three weeks ago where people came out to choose our candidate, the entire political environment is active,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa also commended security agencies for maintaining peace during the exercise.
“We want to encourage everyone to come out and vote. Ondo State is safe and we are having a peaceful election. God has been helping us and our security agencies are up and doing. Ondo State is one of the safest and most peaceful states in Nigeria,” he stated.
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“I want to tell our people not to be afraid. If you see something, say something. Be vigilant,” he added.
Security, INEC Commended
The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, said security personnel had been deployed across the district and warned against electoral offences.
“Anyone found violating electoral laws or engaging in activities likely to cause a breach of peace will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.
The Police command said it had intensified intelligence gathering and coordinated operations with other security agencies to ensure a secure environment throughout the election.
INEC officials arrived early at polling units, while security personnel maintained a visible presence during the exercise. Although voting was largely peaceful, turnout remained low in many areas, which some observers linked to the absence of strong opposition in the race.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Prof. Dayo Faduyile, described voter participation as encouraging and praised election officials and security agencies for the smooth conduct of the poll.
As voting ended, electoral officials moved materials to collation centres for the aggregation of results. No major security incidents were reported, although movement restrictions announced ahead of the election appeared to record limited compliance in some areas.
