Live Updates: Osun 2018 governorship election

 

Last Updated: 19 hours ago

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19 hours ago

Police averts attempt to snatch ballots in Osogbo

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Police averts attempt to snatch ballots, quell tension in Osogbo

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19 hours ago

Osun poll: INEC warns against publication of false results

The Independent National Electoral (INEC) has warned against announcing or publishing false election results as the collation of the Osun governorship election results has begun.

The Commission gave the warning on Saturday through its twitter handle @inecnigeria.

It said that the official results would be available as announced by the election Returning Officer.

“Announcing or publishing a false election result is an offence.

“It’s a criminal offence punishable by a term of imprisonment.

“The official #OsunDecides2018 results will be uploaded on our platforms as declared by the Returning Officer,” the commission said.

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19 hours ago

Police averts attempt to snatch ballots in Osogbo

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Police averts attempt to snatch ballots, quell tension in Osogbo

Advertisement

19 hours ago

Osun poll: INEC warns against publication of false results

The Independent National Electoral (INEC) has warned against announcing or publishing false election results as the collation of the Osun governorship election results has begun.

The Commission gave the warning on Saturday through its twitter handle @inecnigeria.

It said that the official results would be available as announced by the election Returning Officer.

“Announcing or publishing a false election result is an offence.

“It’s a criminal offence punishable by a term of imprisonment.

“The official #OsunDecides2018 results will be uploaded on our platforms as declared by the Returning Officer,” the commission said.

 

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Police averts attempt to snatch ballots, quell tension in Osogbo

 42 motorcycles impounded at Ikire for breaking restriction order.

 

Vote counting has just begun where APC deputy gubernatorial candidate Benedict Alabi voted.

‘Why Ooni did not vote’

By Joseph Jibueze, Ile-Ife

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, did not vote because he sees all the governorship candidates in Osun State as his subjects, his aides have said.

The Lowa Adimula of Ife, High Chief Adekola Adeleye, who said he is the Ooni’s second in command “to the left”, explained that the Ooni cannot be seen to be taking sides with any of the candidates.

There is a polling unit by the Ooni’s palace, but he did not come out to vote.

“It’s not good for the Ooni to vote for any candidate. If he must vote, it will be for all the candidates because he’s the father of all, but that’s not possible, so kingmakers advised him not to vote.

“He cannot take sides. All the candidates are Ooni’s subjects and so it’s better for a father to be neutral when his children are in a contest,” Adeleye told our reporter.

Ooni’s traditional Aide De Camp said the royal father only blessed all the candidates, wished them well and prayed for a peaceful election.

Anxious crowd waiting for vote counting in Ward 5 unit 6 Ikire

Voters frustrated in Iragbiji, Ada, Ororuwo as card readers malfunction

By Bisi Oladele, Iragbiji

Hundreds of voters were frustrated and angry in Iragbiji, Ada and Ororuwo as they were unable to cast their votes as at cut-off time of 2:00 pm.

In virtually all polling units in the communities which are in Boripe Local Government, voting was still going on as at 2:50 pm with many expressing frustration as they endured the scorching sun.

For instance, at Unit 3, Ward 1, NEPA area, Iragbiji, tens of voters were still being given numbers to enable them leave the sun and wait for their turn as at 2:30pm. It was the same at Unit 2, Ward 6, Ororuwo where unruly behavior of voters and malfunctioning of the card reader left the exercise hectic.

At Unit 1, Ward 7, St Andrew’s School, Ada, over 150 voters were still struggling to vote.

But the experience was different in Iree where some of the polling units visited by our reporter, were only waiting for more voters to come as at 12:40 pm

Vote counting starts in some Osogbo units

Counting of votes begin in Ikire

Vote counting has started in some units in Ikire while voting is still on in  others.

This is in line with INEC regulation that voting should continue so long as a voter is on the queue before the 2pm cut off time.

Another PDP agent held for alleged Vote buying

Vote counting at  unit 007, ward 2

Vote counting  underway at the polling unit adjacent to Sen. Adeleke’s: Ojisun Compound,  Polling Unit 007, Ward 2, Abogunde/Sagba registration area, Ede North

Counting of votes begins at Adeleke’s polling unit

Vote counting about to begin at Sen. Adleke’s polling unit, polling unit 009 Abogunde compound, Ward 2, Ede North

Former Speaker gives INEC passmark

By Raymond Mordi in Ede

Former Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adejare Bello, has hailed the conduct of the election in his polling unit, adding that he would give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a passmark, if the same scenario is replicated at the various polling units across the state.

His words: “As far as this polling unit is concerned, I would say so far, so good. We have been restricted from moving around during the election, so I have no way of knowing what is happening elsewhere.

“But, if what us happening here is replicated in all the polling units,  I will give INEC a passmark and I will say that the exercise has been successful.

“At this polling unit, the disabled were given the opportunity to cast their votes; some of them were assisted by their able-bodied counterparts.

“As you can see, voting is still underway at this unit as at 1.30pm. This is because we have close to a thousand registered voters are registered here and the turnout is quite high.”

Omisore: I’ll win despite irregularities

By Joseph Jibueze, Ile-Ife

Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Osun State, Dr Iyiola Omisore, expressed confidence that he would win the election despite irregularities.

Addressing newsmen after casting his vote, he claimed he got reports from across the state that a lot of things were going wrong.

Ballot box snatching at Orolu ward 8

By Emmanuel Oladesu

At ward 8, Orolu local government, hoodlums invaded  a polling unit and carted away ballot boxes

Voting still in progress in Ede

By Raymond Mordi in Ede

There are still long queues of voters in many polling units in Ede.

Voters are waiting patiently to cast their ballot, while electoral officials are idle in many other voting points.

For instance, at the polling unit of former Speaker, Hon. Adejare Bello, Ward 3, Unit 4, Ede North, there was still a long queue as at 12.30pm when our reporter visited the unit which has two voting points.

Same thing goes for Unit 1, Ward 3, Ologun Agbaakin voting area, as well as Areja Square/Yidi Road, Polling Unit 006, Ward 3, Ede North.

20 motorcycles impounded at Ikire

By Precious Igbonwelundu

About 20 motorcycles impounded at Ikire for flaunting restriction order.

Save for that, Ikire has been calm and peaceful, the people coordinated, said Commissioner of Police Kayode Egbetokun.

Voters at Ologun Agbaakin Square

 

Massive turnout at polling unit 29, Ife Central

 

Police confirm arrest of PDP chieftain at Polling unit 16, ward 5 for alleged vote buying

 

DSS arrest a man at unit 20 ward 5 Railway Station for snapping his ballot

 

I am sure of victory -Akinbade

By Sina Fadare

 

 

The gubernatorial candidate of African Democratic Congress,  ADC Alhaji  Fatai Akinbade has said that he is confident of winning the election that witnessed massive turnout in Ogbaagba, olaoluwa local government of the State.

Akinbade who spoke shortly after casting his vote said he was happy with the massive turnout of the people and the security arrangements put in place.

According to him history is about to be made as he was confident that he would coast home in victory at the end of the exercise.

He however regretted that vote buying which all the political parties claimed to avoid was going on at ward 3unit1-3 where he voted by a particular party adding that this will not assist our democracy.

Aregbesola votes

Osun state governor , Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola with wife, Serifat while voting at Ward 8 Unit 1 Ifofin area of Ilesa around 11.54 am. Photo: Adesoji Adeniyi.

 

 

 

Women waiting to vote at unit 004 AUD primary school Akinfenwa, Iwo

 

Aragbiji upbeat about Oyetola’s victory

By Bisi Oladele, Iragbiji

The Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrosheed Olabomi, has expressed optimism about Gboyega Oyetola’s victory in Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.

Oyetola, who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election, hails from Iragbiji.

The monarch, who cast his vote in front of his palace at 11:17 am, told The Nation at his palace that he was not surprised at the massive turnout of his subjects in today’s election because the APC candidate is one of his subjects that is committed to the development of the town and welfare of indigenes.

Supervisor hails peaceful electoral process in Ede 

By Raymond Mordi

The Supervisor in charge of proceedings at Ward 2 and Ward 3, Jagunjagun registration area (13 polling units), Mrs Nkem Okoronkwo, has attributed the peace that characterised the voting process in Ede axis so far on the insistence on due process by INEC commissioners.

She said: “Everything is peaceful and calm, and our ad-hoc staff are working hard to ensure that prospective voters are given the opportunity to freely vote for the candidate of their choice.

“Our commissioners stood their ground to ensure that due process is followed and every stakeholder is carried along.

“Our ballot papers are customised, the effect is that there is no room for manipulation. People have realised that the era of ballot boxes snatching is gone.

“I pray that we will continue to witness such peaceful conduct all over the state.”

 

Two PDP agents held for vote buying attempts

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Police on Election Duty in Osun State have arrested two suspects for alleged attempts to influence voters with money.

Muriat Olalekan, 61 and Hamzat Muniru, 65 were arrested at St. Mary Grammar School, Elewe-Iwo.

It was gathered that the police recoveredN 604, 000 from them.

According to the suspects, the money was given to them by one Akin Abiodun, a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ward chairman in Molete Ward 1.

Confirming the arrest, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Operations and security Coordinator, Joshak Habila said the case was under investigation.

He said the police would arrest, investigate and then handover all suspects to the Independent National Electoral Commission  (INEC).

Hebila said: “So far, there have been arrest for some infractions. Somebody was caught discussing how much money is to be shared.

“I do not have the update on the number of arrests made but I know that not less than two people have been picked up for trying to influence votes.

“We will arrest, investigate and then, hand over to INEC for prosecution.”

Timi of Ede sues for peace 

By Raymond Mordi in Ede

 

The traditional ruler of Edeland, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, has hailed the peaceful process so far witnessed in his domain, adding that anybody who loses the election under this circumstances should accept the verdict and leave every other thing to God Almighty.

Oba Lawal, the Lamisa 1 of Edeland, said prior to today’s election, he and other authorities have been appealing to all stakeholders to tow the path of peace, “because it is the Almighty God that enthroned rulers.

He added: “The atmosphere of peace is key to development. For development to happen in any community, there must be peace.”

Mob attack ex-lawmaker for driving to polling unit

By Dare Odufowokan

At Polling unit 16, ward 5 Osogbo, voters attacked a former Councillor in the state , Sobur Ajetinmobi for driving his red Toyota Camry car to the unit.

But for the quick intervention of security men, he would have been mobbed by angry voters.

They accused him of coming to the place with money in his booth to induce voters.

But the man denied it saying he relocated to a farther distance after the last election and could not have trekked all the way.

Normalcy returned after he was forced to move his car away from the area

Voting in Osogbo metropolis generally peaceful

Voting has commenced in Osogbo metropolis and is so far generally peaceful.

Though one Hon. Werenise of the PDP has been arrested for vote buying at polling unit 16 at Technical area of ward 5 in Osogbo.

PDP chieftains flaunting no movement rule – Police

…Police on red alert

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Some People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains including a very prominent Nigerian have been patrolling round Osun State, security report available to the police indicate.

To this end, the Security Coordinator Joshak Habila, a Deputy Inspector-General of Police  (DIG) has ordered all field operatives to arrest them on sight.

Habila who said they had no business moving round the state on election day, noted that the Electoral Act, 2011, clearly stipulates those allowed to move about on election day.

He said: “We have reports that a big personality in the country who is not supposed to be here was sighted moving around with some others. I have told my men to prevent his further movement once he is seen. We will also bring him to justice.”

On the conduct of the election so far, he said the exercise has been smooth and peaceful, commending the people for displaying maturity.

The Nation reports that the security team comprising police, DSS, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Road Safety Commission  (FRSC) and others have visited several polling units in Osogbo, Ede and Ife.

He said: “We deployed lesser number of security  personnel because Osun State has less flash points and it is peaceful. Osun citizens have mature minds and they are accommodating.

“They have shown that they understand the rules of the game, are ready to submit to constituted authority and play according to rules of the game.

“You have heard the observers yourself and they have commended the smoothness of the process. You can also see the security men deployed and how they are doing their jobs. I have told the observers that our target is to set the pace for other African nations to emulate.”

At Ife, the Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 111, urged voters to shun violence in the interest of democracy.

Card reader extremely slow, says ADP deputy guber candidate 

The ADP deputy governor candidate Prof Durotoye have express concerns over the irregularities of the card readers provided and deemed it unfit for usage.

He however lauded the orderliness of the voters and confident that ADP will emerge victorious after the election

Suspects arrested for alleged vote buying in Iwo

APC will win election, says Akande

By Musa Odoshimokhe

Former Osun State Governor Chief Bisi Akande has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will win the governorship election in the state.

The former governor who arrived his polling unit 012, Isedo 1, Ila Orangun at 10 am, said Osun is the home of the progressives, noting that the people would vote the APC.

He said the conduct of the election had been encouraging, stressing that it was very peaceful and relaxed.

He added that today’s election was different from the previous ones, noting that the people of Ila came out with enthusiasm to cast their votes.

The APC stalwart said: “The process has been very peaceful, very relaxed and I am comfortable with the conduct. The people of Ila and environs witness are in high spirit celebrate democracy.

” Unlike in the past with particular reference to the last four years election, when people were dying to cast their votes, this time around it is much more relax and better. I have across and the story is the same everywhere.

Akande maintained that the arrangement had been wonderful, noting that all the agencies involved in the conduct of the election should take the credits.

“My expectation is that everything will turn out satisfactory and well to the comfort of democracy. Democracy will continue to thrive in the country.

” So far, my party will win the election, we have always had the confidence, particularly in the Ila area. We are going to win, let me say it again because the people are comfortable with the APC,” he said.

Omisore arrives polling unit, ready to vote

*Voters at Ifetedo and Esa Oke also complaining about malfunctioning card readers

*Card reader still malfunctioning at Asaure Ward 1, Ife South LGA, and at Unit 5, Ward 4, Igbajo.

Osun Assembly speaker hails huge voters turnout 

House of Assembly Speaker Dr Najim Salam, after voting in Ejigbo, hailed the huge turnout of voters and the peaceful atmosphere, urging the electorate to sustain the tempo of transquility.

Election observers at Ede

By Emmanuel Oladesu

Voting process is slow in Iwo 
Leke Salaudeen, Iwo

The voting process in Ward 12, Post office, Iwo is very slow due to malfunctioning of card readers.

Voters who have spent hours on the queue are complaining but promised to endure.

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials arrived with materials at their polling units before 8am.

The turn out in all polling units monitored by our correspondent was huge.

Old men and women that could not stand on their own were given support by their relatives.

INEC officials gave preference to the elderly people and pregnant women.

A 90 year old community leader, Alhaji Belau Oja-Anabi told our correspondent after casting his vote in unit 5, ward 12, “I am grateful to Allah for sparing my life to take part in today ‘s election.

Another elderly woman who simply identified herself as Alhaja Rabiat said she traveled all the way from Abidjan, Cote D’Voir with her family for the election.

The election process has been peaceful in Iwo.

Impressive turnout at Ogbaagba

The turn out of voters was very impressive at Ogbaagba in Olaoluwa local government area of Osun state.

The gubernatorial candidate of ADC Alhaji Fatso Akinbade voted at 10:40am

Alabi votes, says APC won’t disappoint

Muyiwa Lucas, Ikire

The Deputy gubernatorial candidate of the APC in today’s election, Mr. Benedict Alabi, has just voted.

He dropped his ballot paper at 10:12am at the Ward 6 Unit 7 inside Baptist Day Primary School, Iyana Egba street, Ikire.

Dressed in white native buba and Sokoto, Alabi exclusively told The Nation after voting that he is confident of his party’s victory at the end of the day.

He assured the electorates that the APC will not disappoint or betray the confidence reposed in them.

“For now the election has been peaceful. We are confident. Although it is not really possible Le to gauge voters turnout because accreditation and voting takes place simultaneously, but with the crowd I have seen , I am impressed,” he said.
And as he walked through the streets back to his home, shouts of “BOA” Alabi, an abbreviation from his name Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, rented the air.

Voters at unit 19D Woleola Estate Osogbo

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  Ikire, massive turn out of voters

By Muyiwa Lucas

The turnout of voters in Ikire is not only impressive but also very peaceful. While the military has been able to stem the earlier free vehicular movement within the metropolis, the Police, supported by other security agencies on the other hand have done well so far in manning the polling units.

I’m confident of winning says Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, The governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP)

Voting process on going in Ede 

Raymond Mordi, Ede

Voting process is on going in parts of Ede North and South Local Government Areas visited by our reporter so far.

Officials and prospective voters came out ahead of time, as early as 7am.

Simultaneous accreditation and voting is taking place in all the units visited so far; there are no signs of anything untoward. Security officials are all over the place, to ensure that everything goes well.

There were incidences of card reader failures in most of the polling units and incidence forms were filled and the people involved allowed to cast their ballot.