Despite collaborating with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ogun State to expedite the distribution of electoral materials to various polling units, Olaniyi Ijalaye, the Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), reported ongoing logistical challenges. Ijalaye made this statement during his visit to polling units in Ikenne Local Government Area (LGA) to assess the voting process firsthand.
Addressing the delays in the commencement of voting and the unavailability of election materials in certain areas, Ijalaye assured voters that no one would be disenfranchised. He noted that the logistical issues encountered with the NURTW had been resolved. “With all due respect, it is not just the governor’s polling unit but a few others that faced one or two challenges. However, as we speak, voting has commenced there, and we will not close voting until the last person has cast their ballot,” he stated. Ijalaye expressed satisfaction with the turnout of voters, emphasizing the importance of exercising their civil responsibility. He mentioned that while accreditation had taken place in many locations, some areas were still experiencing transportation challenges.
During a monitoring visit to Abiodun’s polling unit at Ward 002, Polling Unit 003, Ita Osanyin, Iperu, our correspondent observed that voting had started late. An electorate named James Alabama expressed frustration over the situation, urging INEC to ensure timely availability of voting materials for the governorship election. He remarked, “Everything is calm, and there is no fighting because we all know who we are voting for, but the voting process started late and is very slow. They began around 9:30 am, while the polling unit close to the governor’s started voting an hour and thirty minutes earlier. If this happens during the governorship election and affects the voting process, we won’t accept it.”
As of the time of this report, INEC officials had not yet arrived at several locations, including Magboro, Asese, Oke-Afa, and Mowe in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area. While some voters expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation, others, unable to endure the delays, chose to leave their polling units and return home.
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