The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the Ondo State election, Agboola Ajayi, has cast his vote at Polling Unit 004, Apoi Ward 2, Kiribo, located in Ese-Odo Local Government Area.

However, Ajayi expressed dissatisfaction with the electoral process, alleging bias and inefficiency on the part of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Ajayi reported delays in the commencement of voting across some parts of the state and described his personal voting experience as challenging. He stated, “The BVAS devices are not working. Although the election is peaceful to some extent, I have concerns.” Ajayi also mentioned that it took nearly 10 minutes for him to cast his vote due to what he considered avoidable delays, adding that it seemed to be an attempt to frustrate voters.

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The PDP candidate further criticized the proximity of security personnel to polling units, claiming that their presence was intimidating voters. “Why are security personnel stationed so close to my polling unit? They are intimidating voters. The distance between voters and military officers is uncomfortably close,” Ajayi said.

Ajayi also alleged systemic compromise in the electoral process. He remarked, “The system has been compromised. It is sad that the INEC can’t conduct an election well in one state.”

While the election has been described as largely peaceful in some quarters, Ajayi’s concerns point to persistent challenges in the electoral system, raising questions about INEC’s preparedness and neutrality.

The Ondo governorship election remains a focal point for observers, as various stakeholders continue to monitor the process.

The Deputy Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Mr. Festus Akingbaso, has raised concerns over alleged activities of political thugs in Idanre Local Government Area during the ongoing elections.

Speaking to journalists after casting his vote at Polling Unit 005, Oke Imikan on Saturday, Akingbaso, who also represents Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its efforts so far but expressed worry about security lapses in some areas.

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“The turnout of voters is not bad, and 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,” Akingbaso said.

He urged voters to remain vigilant and ensure their votes are protected. “My advice to the voters is that whenever they cast their votes, they should wait behind and keep watch until the final result has been announced. If everything goes as planned, my party will win,” he added.

Akingbaso also accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of bringing in suspected thugs to intimidate voters in various communities within Idanre.

He highlighted specific villages, including Ofosun, Omifunfun, and Allah, as areas reportedly overrun by thugs.

“Information reaching me is that the 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,” he alleged.

The PDP candidate also recounted an incident in Ofosun, where suspected thugs reportedly broke into the home of a party supporter to prevent them from voting. “We were informed that there are plans not to allow people in the villages to vote,” he said.

Akingbaso criticized the response of security agencies, stating that despite raising the alarm, no decisive action had been taken.

“Since Friday, the APC has been 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,” he said.

He called on security agencies to take urgent steps to address the situation and ensure that voters in the affected areas are able to exercise their rights without intimidation or harassment.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced the appointment of six new officials to pivotal positions within his administration, effective from November 15, 2024.

The announcement was made public on Friday in a communiqué signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor.

The newly appointed officials bring a wealth of experience to their roles and include: Dr. Emmanuel Iyamu as Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

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Dr. Iyamu, an accomplished academic and business leader, holds a Doctorate in Petroleum Resources and an MBA. Prior to his appointment, he served as the CEO of Gabbem Integrated Services Ltd.

Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi as Managing Director of the State Waste Management Board. Enehita-Inegbenehi is a seasoned professional with expertise in human resources and leadership.

He previously led multiple businesses, including JEI Visions Service Apartments and JEI Visions Iron Metals.

CP Friday Ibadin (retd.) as Corps Commander of the Edo State Security Corps Governance. A former Commissioner of Police with international experience, including an assignment with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, Ibadin is renowned for his security expertise.

Stainless Ijeghede as Managing Director of the Edo State Traffic Management Agency. Ijeghede, a mechanical engineer, previously worked in the petroleum sector with Shell Petroleum, focusing on well engineering and safety.

Lucky Eseigbe as Managing Director of the Edo State Public Building and Maintenance Agency. A legal expert with an LL.B and LL.M from Ambrose Alli University, Eseigbe has vast experience in legislative consulting and legal advising.

Emmanuel Ehidiamen Okoebor as Commissioner for Finance-designate. With over 25 years in the banking industry, Okoebor has held senior roles, including Assistant General Manager at United Bank for Africa (UBA).

He is also a registered member of COREN and the Nigerian Society of Engineers.