By: Esther Idowu
Hon. Wasiu Lawal (FCA), the APC Chairmanship Candidate for Ado-Odo/Ota LGA election, has declared the ongoing elections as the most peaceful ever conducted in Ota.
He said this during an interview with VOA News Correspondent on the conduct of the local government Chairmanship election in Ado-Odo/Ota local government. “I am deeply impressed by the calm and orderly conduct of voters today. It boils down to the fact that people still trust and believe in the process and we should appreciate them for that.”
While lamenting the late arrival of electoral materials to various polling units, Hon. Wasiu Lawal scored the electoral process high, adding that electorates should do more than just participate in electoral processes. “The delayed commencement at some polling units did not deter our people from making this election a peaceful and historic one. This shows our collective maturity and belief in the democratic process. Democracy doesn’t stop at voting, It’s about continuous involvement in governance, holding leaders accountable, and contributing to policies that impact our daily lives. I urge everyone to stay engaged and proactive as we work together for the betterment of our community.”
Hon. Lawal’s declaration of peaceful elections was confirmed by the Akogun of Oruba, Ota, HRH Oba Wadud Ajani Deinde, who stood in for Olota of Ota, HRM Oba (Prof.) Adeyemi Obalanlege, who is on traditional assignment.
In his words, “Ota is known for conducting peaceful elections, so it is no surprise that this year’s has also turned out the same way. The only difference between this election and others is the delay in bringing in election materials, which pushed the time of the election from the earlier slated morning to afternoon.”
He enjoined citizens to take advantage of the LGA’s newly accorded autonomy and get more involved in the governance of their states and regions. He discouraged the popular belief that election results are usually manipulated.
He said, “Voters should learn to cast their votes and stay till it is counted and recorded, being present during the counting and logging will clear every doubt about the declared results.”
He further advised candidates who will eventually emerge as winners after the elections to keep it at the back of their minds that it is a fleeting position that they’ll leave one day, hence the need for them to make the best of it by doing that which they are elected.
As of the time of filing this report, elections are still ongoing in some polling units while voting has ended in some and collation and counting done; despite the low turnout of voters.
Meanwhile, VOA News report that voting did not take place in Agbara ward 1 as electoral materials brought by OGSIEC officials fell short of the required amount.
