Collation of results of Osun State governorship election is underway after the conclusion of voting.
Available reports say that voting is some part of Ede town extended till late Saturday evening.
The election has been largely characterised by peaceful conduct, early arrival of electoral staff and voting materials, optimal functioning of Bimodal Voter Acceditation System, BVAS, and large turn out of voters.
From early results, most of the gladiators in the poll are holding strongly to their base.
While Governor Adegboyega Oyetola won his Polling Unit at Unit 2, Ward 1, LA Primary School Popo, Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government with 545 to defeat Senator Ademola Adeleke who scored 69 votes; Adeleke won his Polling Unit at Unit 009, Ward 02, Abogunde/Sagba, Ede North with 218 votes to defeat Oyetola who scored 23 votes.
In the former Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s Ward 8, Unit 1, Ilesa East Local Government Area, APC score 164 to defeat PDP that polled 134.
All things being equal, full results is expected on Sunday morning.
Commendations across boards
Osun election has been applauded as free, fair and devoid of violence even as results are being expected. In the same vein, the Independent National Electoral Commission and the security agents have been commended for a job well done.
In a related development, the introduction of Bimodal Voter Acceditation System machine with its efficiency has equally been adjudged as a positive development.
Chieftains of the ruling APC and those in the opposition have positive comments on the entire process. From governor Oyetola, Senator Adeleke of PDP, Akin Ogunbiyi of Action party, a PDP chieftain, Erelu Olusola Obada, Speaker Timothy Owoeye to the electorates, they all seem to be satisfied with the process.
Vote trading curbed
Unlike in previous elections, vote trading or vote buying in the open was absent in Osun election. Perhaps, massive sensitisation that preceded the poll and the physical presence of personnel of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission contributed to the development.
The turn out of voters was not only impressive, the electorates also conducted themselves very well with no major violence or single fatality. Massive deployment of security agents, including the officials of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agents may not be unconnected with this as well.
According to the Nigeria Ambassador to Mexico, Mr. Adejare Bello, “The security agents have been fantastic”.
Observations from the election monitoring saw increased participation of the aged and People Living with Disabilities.
N.O
