Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Saturday expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the ongoing Ondo South Senatorial District by-election, describing voter turnout across the six local government areas as encouraging.
The by-election is being conducted to fill the vacant seat left by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Governor Aiyedatiwa spoke shortly after casting his vote at Polling Unit 05, Igbo Ward 4, in Obenla Community, Ilaje Local Government Area, where he commended electoral officials, security agencies and voters for ensuring an orderly exercise.
According to the governor, reports received from across the senatorial district indicated that the election had remained peaceful, while participation by eligible voters had surpassed expectations for a by-election.
“We want to encourage everyone to come out and vote. Ondo State is safe and we have a peaceful election. God has been helping us and our security agencies are up and doing. Ondo State remains one of the safest and most peaceful states in Nigeria,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa attributed the level of voter participation partly to the political momentum generated by the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election and the extensive mobilisation efforts of the party’s candidate, Professor Dayo Faduyile, a former President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
“A lot of work has been done by our candidate, Professor Dayo Faduyile, and the environment is still very active politically after the primary election,” the governor stated.
Expressing optimism about the final turnout, Aiyedatiwa projected that the number of voters could exceed 100,000, a figure he described as remarkable for a by-election.
“We expect a very good number, maybe about 100,000 plus, considering the nature of the election as a by-election. Ordinarily, if it were a general election, the figure would be much higher. We will see how it goes at the end of voting,” he added.
The governor also used the occasion to reassure residents of the state’s security, stressing that peace and safety remain a collective responsibility between government, security agencies and citizens.
“Our security is a function of every one of us. It is not only the government or the security agencies. Citizens’ participation is very important, especially in the area of security,” he said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, unfamiliar persons or unusual activities within their communities to the appropriate authorities.
“I want to encourage our people not to be afraid to go about their lawful businesses, but when they notice anything new or strange, they should inform the relevant authorities immediately,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The election is being held across the six local government areas that make up Ondo South Senatorial District — Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa, Irele, Odigbo and Ileoluji/Okeigbo — with security agencies and electoral officials maintaining a strong presence to ensure a credible process.
Fidelis David
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