Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has projected that fewer than 100,000 voters may determine the outcome of the Ondo South Senatorial District bye-election holding across six local government areas of the district.
The governor stated this on Saturday after casting his vote at Ward 4, Unit 5, Obenla, in Ilaje Local Government Area.
Aiyedatiwa said although the exercise is a bye-election, he expects a reasonable turnout of voters, citing the level of participation witnessed during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election held about three weeks ago.
The bye-election is being conducted to fill the vacant senatorial seat following the appointment of former senator, Jimoh Ibrahim, as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The governor expressed confidence in the APC candidate, Professor Dayo Faduyile, noting that the party’s structure across the district remained active and mobilised.
According to him, the election is taking place in the six local government areas that make up the Ondo South Senatorial District — Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa, Irele, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo.
“We expect a good turnout of voters even though it is a bye-election. Looking at the participation recorded during our primary election, the political environment is active and people are ready to come out and vote,” the governor said.
He, however, noted that the total number of voters may not exceed 100,000.
“We expect to get a very good number, probably less than 100,000 because it is a bye-election. If it were a general election, the figure would certainly be much higher,” he added.
Aiyedatiwa urged residents of the district to participate peacefully in the electoral process, assuring them of adequate security.
He described Ondo as one of the safest and most peaceful states in the country and commended security agencies for maintaining law and order during the election.
“I want to encourage everyone to come out and vote. Ondo State is safe, and we are having a peaceful election. Our security agencies are on top of their responsibilities. People should not be afraid, but they should remain vigilant. If you see something, say something,” he said.