In Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, voters at Majokolasan Unit 001, Ward 4, experienced delays due to the sluggish performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Community Engagement, Andrew Ogunsakin, attributed the issue to poor network coverage in the area.

Ogunsakin, who cast his vote at the unit, noted that despite the challenges posed by the slow BVAS system, the election process had been smooth. He commended voters for their patience and turnout.

READ MORE: #OndoDecides2024: PDP Governorship Candidate Votes, Raises Concerns Over Election Conduct

He said, “The BVAS has been very slow in my unit due to poor network. Despite this, the voting has gone on without any ugly incidents, and I commend the voters for their maturity. Voting started by 8am, and hopefully, it will end by 2pm. The APC is doing well here, and my party is sure to win the election.”

The turnout of voters was lauded, with many residents coming out in significant numbers to exercise their civic rights.

This election marks another milestone in the Ondo State democratic process, showcasing voter resilience despite technical hitches. Election observers and stakeholders have called for improvements in BVAS operations to ensure smoother processes in future elections.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, participated in the Ondo State Governorship election on Saturday, describing the process as peaceful and professional.

Tunji-Ojo exercised his franchise at Unit 17, Ward 3 in Okeagbe, Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State. Sharing his experience on his official X page, the Minister posted photos showcasing his accreditation and voting process.

“At exactly 11:34 a.m., I cast my vote at Unit 17, Ward 3, Okeagbe, Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State, in the #Ondo2024 Governorship Election. It’s been a peaceful election with officials displaying high-level professionalism coupled with an encouraging turnout of voters,” he wrote.

READ MORE: Trump Taps 27-Year-Old Karoline Leavitt As New White House Spokesperson

The ongoing election has drawn praise from participants and observers alike for its smooth conduct. However, as voting continues, some candidates have raised concerns about specific issues.

Tunji-Ojo’s statement reflects the optimism surrounding the conduct of the election, as many voters expressed satisfaction with the process, which was reportedly characterized by transparency and orderliness.

This development underscores the importance of peaceful participation in the electoral process, as Ondo citizens eagerly await the announcement of results.

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed 27-year-old Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary, making her the youngest person to ever hold the role.

The New Hampshire native, who has been a prominent figure in Trump’s political orbit, is set to take on the high-stakes position as the administration’s chief spokesperson.

READ MORE: #OndoDecides2024: PDP Governorship Candidate Votes, Raises Concerns Over Election Conduct

“Karoline is smart, tough, and has proven to be a highly effective communicator,” Trump said in a statement. “I have the utmost confidence she will excel at the podium and help deliver our message to the American people.”

Leavitt has had a rapid rise in Republican politics since starting as a student assistant for Fox News during Trump’s 2016 campaign.

She later served as an assistant press secretary in the Trump White House, cementing her reputation as a skilled communicator and staunch advocate for the president’s “America First” policies.

Leavitt’s political career began while she was a student at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Tasked with assisting Fox News during a Republican primary debate in 2016, she became inspired to pursue a career in political communications.

A vocal conservative on campus, Leavitt gained attention for a student newspaper column defending Trump and opposing “identity politics.” In a podcast interview, she said, “I didn’t believe that the color of your skin or your gender can hold you back in this country. That’s the foundation of my conservative beliefs.”

After leaving the White House following Trump’s 2020 defeat, Leavitt ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2022.

She then served as communications director for Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a key Trump ally and nominee for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Leavitt was a key figure in Trump’s 2024 campaign, acting as a spokeswoman at rallies and court appearances.

Despite taking a brief maternity leave during the campaign, she remained a consistent presence, often clashing with what she called “fake news” media.

“There are a lot of journalists who aren’t interested in journalism anymore, and we deal with them every day,” she said during a Fox News podcast.

Her appointment signals Trump’s trust in her ability to manage the administration’s communication strategy as he returns to office.

Leavitt will step into a role marked by significant pressure, especially given Trump’s well-documented scrutiny of media coverage.

As the administration’s public face, she will be responsible for managing the White House’s messaging during what is expected to be a turbulent presidency.

According to Leavitt, Trump’s second term is poised to be different. “I think he is more wise about the ‘deep state,’ the establishment in Washington DC, and the lengths to which they were willing to go to derail his campaign and his success,” she said.