Osun poll: Aregbesola, Omisore commend INEC, voters

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State on Saturday commended voters for turning out enmasse to be accredited for the governorship election.
Aregbesola, who arrived with his wife, Sherifat, at about 10.40am at his Unit 1, Ward 8 Polling Unit at Ifofin, Ilesa, said the turnout of the electorate was impressive.
The governor, who was accredited at about 10.43am, said he was happy with the conduct of the exercise in his ward.
He said that though he could not use the situation in his ward to assess the over all performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission, he was happy with what he saw in his ward.
The governor said that the enthusiasm of voters had re-affirmed the democratic consciousness of the people.
He said: “These people (voters) are more democratic than most of us.
“They are passionate and conscious of their democratic obligation.
“I wish the leadership of this country will be more passionate in building a just and democratic society.”
The governor, however, condemned the reported arrest of some people who he claimed were his party leaders.
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has commended the accreditation exercise.
Omisore, who presented himself for accreditation at his Moore Ward at 11.27am, described the exercise as largely successful.
The PDP flagbearer, who said that the turnout of voters at Ile-Ife was impressive, reiterated his commitment to ensuring a peaceful conduct of the election.
Meanwhile, Labour Party candidate, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, says he is still in the governorship race.
Akinbade spoke after being accredited at his Ward 3,Unit 1 Polling Centre at his Ogbagba home town
Akinbade was accredited at about 9:28am alongside other potential voters.
Akinbade expressed confidence in the ability of INEC and other security agencies to ensure a successful poll.
In a related development, a PDP Chieftain, Aremu Abiodun, has also commended INEC for putting in place adequate arrangements, which paved the way for a smooth accreditation exercise.
Abodunrin gave the commendation during the accreditation exercise in Modakeke.
He expressed optimism that the election would be completed without any hitch.
Abodunrin also acknowledged the efforts of security operatives in keeping the peace.
An APC leader, Dixon Amola, said the accreditation exercise went on smoothly due to the early availability of electoral officers and materials.
Dr. Julius Odegbemi, a Labour Party leader, said INEC had improved tremendously and advised voters to cast their votes wisely.