Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has praised residents for the impressive turnout in Saturday’s Local government election, describing the exercise as peaceful and orderly, even as accredited election observers also expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the poll across the state.
Governor Okpebholo spoke after casting his vote at Ward 2, Udomi Primary School, in Esan Central Local Government Area, where voting commenced early with electoral officials and security personnel already on duty.
The Governor arrived at his polling unit at about 10:24 a.m., joined other voters on the queue and cast his ballot at exactly 10:40 a.m.
He later interacted with party supporters and stakeholders before addressing journalists.
He lauded voters for their peaceful conduct and noted that reports from different parts of Edo State indicated that the election was progressing without major incidents.
“This election is very peaceful and it is going smoothly based on the feedback we are getting from the field,” he said.
“The turnout is very high. This is a demonstration of grassroots democracy. It shows that our people are interested in choosing those who will administer the affairs of their local governments. By the grace of God, a winner will emerge at the end of today’s election.”
The governor appealed to residents to maintain the peaceful atmosphere throughout the exercise and allow the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) to conclude the process and officially announce the results.
Election observers also commended the conduct of the exercise, saying reports received from various locations indicated that voting was taking place peacefully.
Executive Director of the Initiative for Awareness of Civic Education for Citizens, Comrade Fidelis Nwoke, told journalists in Udomi that accredited observer groups deployed across the state had not recorded any significant security challenges as voting progressed.
According to him, his organisation, alongside other accredited observer groups, monitored polling units in Udomi, Igueben and other communities, where the election was generally peaceful.
“My organisation and several other observer groups have been fully accredited to monitor the Edo State local government election. Reports coming in from different parts of the state indicate that the process has been peaceful so far,” Nwoke said.
“We have monitored Udomi, Igueben and other locations. We have observed that the exercise has been peaceful, orderly and smooth. Electoral officials arrived, voters have been able to cast their ballots and, at the end of the exercise, winners and losers will naturally emerge.”
At Udomi Primary School, where the governor voted, several residents expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the exercise, describing it as transparent and orderly.
Speaking , Timothy Uwaya said he voted without intimidation or harassment, adding that the peaceful environment encouraged wider participation.
Others commended Governor Okpebholo’s administration, saying ongoing infrastructure projects and other developmental programmes across the state motivated many residents to participate in the election.
