Live coverage of Saturday’s elections in Ondo state with Godwin Akanfe and Funso Ajewole
Yesterday, INEC colected electorial materials from the CBN’s Akure office in the presence of representatives of all the political parties and journalists. Resident Electoral Commissioner, Akin Orebiyi said that the delivery of the materials is proof that allegations of fake voter cards is “politicians way of heating up the polity”.
As of yesterday morning, voting materials meant for riverine polling units in Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas have been dispatched under heavy security. The early dispatch, according to Orebiyi, was necessary because those polling units are remote and difficult to access, with many of them located directly on the lagoon.
Electoral materials meant for other local government areas will be dispatched this morning.
Journalists who arrived yesterday were denied accreditation. INEC PRO for the state, Mrs. Beckley, told them that “Ondo is different, application for accreditation was done three weeks ago”. When one of them pointed out to her that there was no statutory provision backing her stance, Mrs. Beckley insisted that they produce accreditation letters from their respective offices.
INEC officials are reportedly stranded at Ojumo, near the boundary with Ekiti state. Buses have failed to arrive and take them to their different polling units.
A litle bit of trivia for you: the number of registered votes in Ondo state is 366,130.
0838: Accreditation has started in earnest and turnout has been impressive, old people leading the pack, many in ceremonial dress.
0902: INEC chairman has promised that the results would be announced within 12 hours after voting ends. This will be incredible considering the remote nature of many communities in Ondo, especially the riverine areas. Two local government areas, Ilaje and Ese-Odo have many polling units perching on water.
0908: The PDP candidate, Olusola Oke, was detained by security personnel at about 0700 hours. He was moving in a convoy into Igbotako Village, the country home of ACN’s running mate, Paul Akintelure. Security sources said members of Oke’s entourage were made to sit on the floor while he made frantic phone calls. He was freed about 45 minutes later after getting through to a ‘VIP’.
Security has been impressive; with the deployed personnel almost outnumbering the voters. Curfew was imposed since 6pm on Friday and vehicular movement restricted in all the major cities and towns.
