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.

As the build up to the Ondo State’s off season gubernatorial election continues, the umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has updated the list of contestants by adding the Labour Party’s Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus.

The umpire made the disclosure on Friday in a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, where it made it clear that it was acting in compliance with an order of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.

The statement was issued under the subject, ‘update on the list of candidates for the 2024 Ondo governorship election’.

It reads, “The Commission was yesterday 14th November 2024 served with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement of the Court of Appeal which set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja Division. The FHC, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1105/2024 had on 27th September 2024 ordered the Commission to accept Olusola Ebiseni as the candidate of the Labour Party for the 2024 Ondo State Governorship election.

“However, in the appeal with reference number CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024 filed by the Labour Party, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division struck out the judgement of the FHC for lack of jurisdiction.

“In obedience to the court order, the Commission has restored Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus, whose name was first published as the Labour Party candidate for the 2024 Ondo State Governorship election and uploaded same to our website for public information.”