Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have commended the conduct of the Ondo South Senatorial District by-election, describing the process as peaceful, orderly and transparent, while expressing confidence that the party would emerge victorious at the polls.
The APC candidate, Prof. Dayo Faduyile, alongside party leaders and elected officials across the district, praised the performance of electoral officials, security agencies and voters for ensuring a hitch-free exercise.
Speaking with journalists, Faduyile said reports from polling units across the six local government areas of the district indicated that the election was progressing smoothly.
“The assessment is a great one. We have had so much information coming from a lot of the polling units and it has been very favourable,” he said.
The APC candidate commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the prompt deployment of officials and materials.
“The INEC staff have reported promptly at their duty posts. We are not hearing of any security breach and the people are coming out in large numbers to exercise their franchise. We are very positive that we are going to have a very good election.”
Faduyile also lauded security agencies for maintaining law and order throughout the exercise.
“The security situation in this part of the state has been peaceful. In this regard too, I do not expect any security breach. The people are people who love themselves irrespective of their political divide.”
Expressing optimism about the outcome of the election, he assured residents that he would promote participatory democracy and effective representation if elected.
“We are going to bring innovation into how we practice democracy here because we want to meet the people, talk to them and ensure that they are well represented in the Senate.”
Poroye Commends Voters, Security Agencies
Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Biyi Poroye, also described the response of voters as encouraging despite minor technical challenges experienced in some polling units.
Speaking at Mahin Ward 4, Unit 13, Okitipupa Local Government Area, Poroye said voters arrived early and remained committed to participating in the election.
“The people are willing, and you can see that they came out as early as possible. But naturally, because of network problems, we are having some challenges. Moreover, the BVAS in this unit has a little issue. The SPO has taken it to their engineer for attention.”
He expressed confidence that the challenges would be resolved quickly and would not affect the overall outcome of the exercise.
“By and large, the people are willing, and the response is very encouraging. Our party is a very popular party here. There is no opposition here, so it makes the job easier for us.”
Poroye further commended the state government for ensuring that the by-election held as scheduled and expressed optimism that the APC would secure victory.
“We are very happy that Ondo South will be having a representative in the Senate. We are doing well and have no doubt that the result will be in our favour.”
Assessing the security situation, he described it as excellent.
“Fantastic. Here, in the entire area, as you could see while coming, security has been excellent.”
According to him, the peaceful atmosphere in the area was a reflection of the maturity of political leaders and residents.
“We have an understanding that in any election, only one person eventually emerges to represent the people. It has been a peaceful process.”
Lawmaker Applauds Women Participation
A member of the Ondo State House of Assembly representing Mahin Constituency, who voted at Mahin Ward 4, Unit 12, commended women in the community for their massive turnout and active participation in the election.
“So far, so good. It has been impressive. Of course, we know that during any election or electoral cycle, women often come out more than men, and the story is still the same today.”
The lawmaker said women accounted for the majority of voters observed at the polling unit.
“The women of our community have come out massively, as you can see for yourself. The majority of the people you see here right now are women.”
She estimated that women made up about 85 per cent of voter turnout in the area.
“Women account for close to 85 per cent of the voter turnout today. It has been fantastic. Our women have been cooperative, wonderful, and they have come out strongly to vote for our APC candidate.”
Kekemeke Hails Electoral Process
APC chieftain Isaac Kekemeke, who voted at Polling Unit 1, Arogbo Ward I in Ese-Odo Local Government Area, also expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election.
According to him, the exercise was free and fair, while security personnel demonstrated professionalism throughout the process.
“The election is free and fair,” he stated, while commending security agencies for their role in ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for voters.
The Ondo South Senatorial District by-election is being conducted to fill the vacant Senate seat, with APC stakeholders expressing confidence that the party’s candidate will secure the mandate of the electorate.