The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the Edo State local government election in Oredo Local Government Area, describing the exercise as peaceful, orderly and marked by a high voter turnout.
Speaking to journalists at Polling Unit 42, Ward 7, the Edo State APC Secretary, Lawrence Okah, said electoral officials of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) arrived early, allowing the voting process to commence on schedule.
“We started on time. The ESIEC officials came in time. As you can see, the crowd is much and this is just one unit, Unit 42, Ward 7, Oredo. They all came out en masse because they believe in the process and the election process is going on smoothly. I am certain that they will vote for my party, the APC,” Okah said.
Also speaking after casting his vote at Polling Unit 20, Ward 7, the APC chairmanship candidate for Oredo Local Government Area, Engineer Gabriel Iduseri, described the turnout as unprecedented, saying it reflected the confidence of residents in the party and the state government.
“As you can see, the turnout of today’s election is massive. Everyone that came out today came out because they know that APC is doing very well,” he said.
Iduseri noted that the number of voters at his polling unit surpassed what he had witnessed during previous general elections.
“For me, I was overwhelmed because even in the general election we have never recorded this number of persons on their feet. Today’s turnout is massive, and it’s a reflection of the fact that His Excellency the Governor is doing well for the people. I, the chairman, am also doing well for the people because the aim of this party and this government is to listen to the voice of the people.”
The APC candidate said the turnout was an indication that residents appreciated the government’s efforts and were prepared to renew their support for the party.
“We are responding to what they wanted, and they want us to return. I want to assure His Excellency the Governor, with this vote in this election that we have just concluded, that the 2.5 million votes are achievable. It’s a reality,” he stated.
He added that the election was being observed by representatives of other political parties and described the atmosphere as peaceful.
“We checked, and we have about two or three other parties here. They are all observing to see what is happening, and I’m very sure that even their agents may also vote for us because they know what is happening in the local government,” Iduseri said.
Thanking voters for their participation, the APC chairmanship candidate commended residents of his polling unit and the wider Oredo Local Government Area for turning out in large numbers.
“I want to thank the people of Unit 20 for coming out in large numbers, and the people of Oredo Local Government for coming out in large numbers to show solidarity and support for this election,” he said.