Jimi Odimayo, the lawmaker representing Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its efforts in conducting a peaceful governorship election in Ondo State on Saturday.

After voting at his Legumare Unit 001, Anglican Primary School, Ward 3, in Irele Local Government Area, Odimayo expressed satisfaction with the seamless process. He commended the electorate for their enthusiastic participation and the smooth functioning of the election technology.

“So far, it has been peaceful, and our people are conducting themselves well. They are very enthusiastic about the election. Let me commend INEC. Based on what I witnessed today, the commission has improved tremendously. The process was seamless—it took just about two minutes for the BVAS machine to accredit me before voting,” he said.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Population highlighted the impressive voter turnout, which he noted surpassed that of the 2023 general election.

He expressed confidence in his party’s prospects, stating, “We are going to win because we have worked for it. We are looking at a massive victory for the APC because we don’t have any challenges at all. This election is going to be a pointer to what to expect in 2027, and we want to assure our President, Bola Tinubu, that Ondo State is a home for massive votes.”

While commending the current process, Odimayo acknowledged that there is still room for improvement in future elections.

The election has continued to receive commendations for its peaceful conduct as voters across the state await the official results.

During the Ondo State governorship election on Saturday, the state Police Command intensified efforts to enforce the election day movement restriction.

This led to the seizure of numerous motorcycles and vehicles from individuals who violated the directive.

The operation, which was conducted across the state, focused particularly on Akure, the state capital. Offenders were apprehended at checkpoints, including a significant interception along Oyemekun Road near ‘A’ Division in Akure, where armed police officers dismissed excuses from violators.

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One of the affected individuals, identified as Dejo, narrated his experience to our correspondence. He said, “My motorcycle has been impounded in the last four hours. I came from Igoba to vote at Champion Junction. I showed them my voter’s card, yet the police wouldn’t allow me to go on my motorcycle. More than 60 motorcycles and 10 vehicles are being impounded here. You can count them. Help me beg them.”

Reacting to the situation, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Funmi Odunlami, explained that the action was necessary to maintain peace during the election.

“Those people you observed contravened the restriction order, and the right thing was done by the operatives that impounded those vehicles and motorcycles. The restriction was announced earlier. It will only be for the period of restriction,” she stated.

This enforcement measure underscores the commitment of the Ondo State Police Command to ensuring a peaceful election process, despite concerns raised by affected individuals.

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.

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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.