The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the Osun State election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has commended the large turnout of voters in Ikire, describing it as a demonstration that the electorate is not intimidated by the electoral process.
Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, spoke while assessing the conduct of the election in Ikire, where he observed the presence of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), voters and security personnel at Ward 9, polling in11, open space gallery.
He said the process was generally progressing smoothly across the state, expressing optimism that the election would be credible.
“The INEC is here, voters are here, security operatives are here. I want to commend the large turnout of voters in Ikire. It shows that people are not intimidated and generally, things are going on fine across the state,” Oyebamiji said.
However, he urged the police and other security agencies to remain proactive, particularly against any possible violence as voting progresses later in the day.
“On possible violence in Ikire later today, I want to admonish the police and other security operatives to be proactive, to ensure security for our people and all the voters,” he said.
The APC candidate also expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to handle allegations surrounding the arrest of a politician reportedly found with electoral materials.
On the development, Oyebamiji said the police should be allowed to carry out their responsibilities, while expressing confidence in his chances of emerging victorious at the end of the election.
“On the politician that was arrested with voters’ machinery, I want to assure you that the police will do their job. I am confident that I will win this election at the end of the day,” he said.
The APC Governorship candidate’s hometown records impressive voter turnout despite being flagged as one of the five volatile areas at the ongoing Osun State governorship election.
The voting process in Ikire, Osun State, has generally been peaceful, with voters turning out in significant numbers and complying with instructions from election officials as the governorship election gets underway.
At polling units visited in the area, accreditation and voting proceeded in an orderly manner, with voters patiently waiting for their turn to exercise their franchise.
A noticeable turnout of young voters was also recorded, with many choosing to participate in the electoral process rather than engage in their usual weekend activities.
Election officials and security personnel were on the ground to guide voters and maintain order as voting continued across the state.
The atmosphere in Ikire remained calm, with the electorate largely focused on exercising their constitutional right to vote.
