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By Our Correspondent
The Deputy governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State, Festus Akingbaso has raised the alarm over invasion of thugs in Idanre local government area of the state.
Akingbaso, a member of the House of Representatives raised the alarm while , speaking with Journalists after casting his vote at Polling unit 005, Oke Imikan.
“Information reaching me is that majority of the villages are filled with thugs allegedly brought in by the APC. At the moment, all the villages are occupied with thugs. Villages like Ofosun, Omifunfun and Allah are occupied. “There is a place called Igbepo where suspected thugs are in their numbers in Idanre local government area.
An incident happened in Ofosun where suspected thugs broke into the house of a party member to prevent him from voting. “
“We were informed that there are plans not to allow people in the villages to vote.
Since Friday, the APC are alleged to have brought in suspected thugs
.”I have reported the matter to the DPO and DSS. To my expectation, the security agencies have not been able to do anything.”
The lawmaker who expressed satisfaction with the turnout of voters and security situation so far, however expressed worry over the activities of thugs.
According to Akingbaso, “Turn out of voters is not bad, the security situation is also not bad. I have not seen anything wrong at this moment. I also want to commend INEC because it has not performed badly so far.
“My advise to the voters is that whenever they cast their votes, they should wait behind and keep watch until the final result is announced. If everything goes as planned, my party will win.”
TMSnews correspondent said elections materials were however delivered on schedule while voters also showed enthusiasm in casting their votes in ondo state.
Meanwhile, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state and the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, has expressed satisfied with the conduct of the on- going governorship election.
Aiyedatiwa said shortly after casting his vote at Polling Unit 5, Ugbo Ward 4, in Ilaje Local Government Area at around 8:50 a.m. that the seamless conduct of the electoral process was peaceful.
The governor commended the organised manner and efficiency at the polling station, noting that the process was both orderly and transparent.
“It’s encouraging to see the exercise going smoothly here, i am hopeful that this is reflective of the experience across the state.”
Aiyedatiwa also addressed concerns over accessibility for voters, urging that all eligible voters be granted a fair opportunity to exercise their democratic rights.
“I want to call on all officials and security personnel to ensure that every supporter and citizen is allowed to cast their vote freely and without obstruction,” he added.
He lauded the security agencies for the effective handling of perceived threats during the election process, highlighting that Ondo State remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.
“We have consistently conducted peaceful elections over the years, and I am confident this one will be no different.”
