Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Alleged technical issues and vote buying have been reported as voting process kicks off in the Ondo State governorship election. As of 8:30 a.m. 3,823 polling units out of 3,933 are reportedly opening, indicating a relatively smooth start to the exercise.
However, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Agboola Ajayi expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the election in Kiribo, Ese-Odo Local Government Area, citing delays in capturing his biometric details and reports of vote buying.
Ajayi’s concerns were echoed by other observers, who noted issues with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) BVAS machines.
In contrast, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, expressed satisfaction with the election’s conduct after casting his vote at Polling Unit 5, Ugbo Ward 4, in Ilaje Local Government Area.
Aiyedatiwa described the process as “encouraging” and saying, “It’s reassuring to see the exercise going smoothly here, and I hope this is reflective of the experience across the state.”
Despite these differing views, the election has largely progressed, with the remaining 110 polling units opening between 8:31 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
The outcome of the election will determine the next governor of Ondo State, with 17 candidates vying for the top spot.
The INEC has published the particulars of nominated candidates for public scrutiny, as required by law.
As the count continues, Nigerians await the results of this crucial election.
