Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday expressed strong confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the ongoing Ondo South Senatorial District bye-election, describing the exercise as peaceful and encouraging.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, APC South-West Vice Chairman Isaac Kekemeke, APC candidate Prof. Dayo Faduyile and OSOPADEC Chairman Prince Biyi Poroye all voiced optimism about the party’s chances as voters trooped out across the six local government areas making up the senatorial district.
The bye-election is being conducted to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking after casting his vote at Ugbob Ward 4, Unit 5, Obe-Nla in Ilaje Local Government Area, Governor Aiyedatiwa said APC was well-positioned for victory given its strong grassroots structure and the popularity of its candidate.
According to him, the political atmosphere in the district remained vibrant following the APC primary election held weeks ago.
“Today’s bye-election is to fill the vacant seat of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who was appointed by the President as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
“We expect a good turnout of voters even though it is a bye-election. If you look at the candidate of our party, Prof. Dayo Faduyile, a former President of the Nigerian Medical Association, you will agree that we have presented a credible candidate,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa said the election was taking place across Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa, Irele, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo local government areas and expressed confidence that party supporters would mobilise massively.
He estimated that voter turnout could approach 100,000 despite the election being a bye-election.
The governor also assured residents of adequate security, describing Ondo as one of the safest states in the country.
“We want to encourage everyone to come out and vote. Ondo State is safe and peaceful. Our security agencies are doing their jobs effectively.
“I want to tell our people not to be afraid. If you see something, say something. Be vigilant,” he added.
Also speaking after voting at Ward 1, Unit 001, Arogbo in Ese-Odo Local Government Area, APC South-West Vice Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, described the exercise as peaceful and expressed confidence that APC would coast to victory.
The party’s candidate, Prof. Dayo Faduyile, who voted at Ward 6, Unit 5, Ode-Ikoya in Okitipupa Local Government Area, commended INEC officials and security agencies for the smooth conduct of the poll.
“We have received very positive reports from many polling units. INEC staff reported early at their duty posts and we have not heard of any security breach.
“The people are coming out in large numbers to exercise their franchise and we are optimistic that this election will be successful,” Faduyile said.
He promised to provide quality representation if elected to the Senate
“My message to the people of Ondo South is that a new representative will emerge today. We are going to run a participatory democracy where the people will have a voice.
“We will engage directly with our constituents, listen to them and ensure they are properly represented in the Senate,” he stated.
However, at Mahin Ward 4, Unit 13, Mahintedo in Ilaje Local Government Area, voting was temporarily delayed following a fault in the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Prince Biyi Poroye, Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), disclosed that the device had been taken to engineers for repairs.
Despite the challenge, he maintained that voters remained enthusiastic and committed to participating in the exercise.
“The people are willing and they came out very early. We are having some challenges because of network issues and the BVAS in this unit developed a fault.
“The presiding officer has taken it for repairs and once it is returned, accreditation and voting will continue,” Poroye said.
He added that APC remained the dominant political force in the area and praised the government for ensuring the election held as scheduled.
“We are happy that Ondo South will have representation in the Senate again. The response from voters has been very encouraging,” he said.
At the same polling unit, the member representing Ilaje Constituency in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olawumi Fayemi-Obayelu, applauded women for turning out massively to vote.
According to her, women accounted for a significant percentage of voters seen at polling centres.
“It has been impressive. Women have always come out in greater numbers during elections and today is no different.
“Since morning, I have been here and the turnout by women has been remarkable. They make up close to 85 per cent of voters here today and they have come out strongly to support our APC candidate,” she said.
Apart from Prof. Dayo Faduyile of APC, other candidates contesting the seat include Adeolu Akinwumi of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Adesanya Olaoluwa of the Action People’s Party (APP) and Nejo Funso Clement of the Boot Party (BP).
As voting continued peacefully across the district, APC leaders remained upbeat that the party would retain the seat when results are finally announced.
