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.

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.

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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.