Lagos gubernatorial elections, peaceful, taint by voter apathy

 

…Sanwo-Olu commends peaceful poll

Yemi Olakitan

The Lagos State Gubernatorial elections have been described as peaceful, calm but marred by voters’ apathy. This was the submission of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other Lagosians as they cast their votes in Lagos

While INEC officials came out on time and set their tables, the voters took their time to come out to vote in many areas of the state, although there are varying reports in various polling units.

At Ikorodu, Igbogbo axis, there was low turnout of voters as voters were slow to come out although there was security presence to forestall any trouble but no issues were recorded.

However, at Ogba axis, Lagosians turn out to vote massively, although there was no long queue, according to reports, they people came out one after the other exercise their franchise one after the other. The crowd was not particularly large but the people were out to vote, one after the other.

Dr. D.J Johnson of Nigerian Union of Journalists, advocates that every journalist should vote, security agencies should also vote. ‘‘I voted this morning and I can tell you what happens when we talk about voters’ apathy. People need to come and vote. Nigerians have attached too much ethnicity and religious bigotry into the campaigns. These things are enough to discourage people.’’

Mr. Fatai Adekunle who voted in Dopemu axis said that voting has been very peaceful in his area. He said he was not harassed and the process has been peaceful. Adekunle said, ‘‘the voters’ turn out is not impressive at all. He called on the Government to do something about it. The way things are going, the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government need to put in some reward system in place for voters in upcoming elections. They need to think outside the box because unlike the Presidential elections that people came out to vote in large numbers, the numbers have dropped in the governorship elections.’’ He said.

Mr Sesan Babatunde at oguntade ogba, ifako ijaye axis said, voting exercise in his area was peaceful and calm. The voters show up very early to vote at Ogba. He said, the people here arrive as early as 7.30. am.

The voting commenced by 8.30 exactly. However, Mr. Babatunde said, he was alarmed at the level by which the youths are on the streets of Lagos playing football. ‘‘At Coker Street, from beginning to the end of that street, the youth are busy playing football.  You will see women watching them playing football on the roads while voting was going on.’’

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu voted at his polling unit at Lagos Island, Eiyekole rd/street, ‘ward 1’ Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Ibijoke  Sanwo-Olu cast their votes in the elections amidst state media representatives and security operatives.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said, we have just witnessed my wife and I casting our votes and exercising our civic duties. We are happy at the turn out at this polling unit. You can see that, the INEC officials came right on time and voting is on as we speak. I think it’s time for us as a people to see and understand that this process is not supposed to be a process of violence. Elections that lead to the emergence of credible leaders is the best validation of what true democracy should be. I want to emphasize again that elections are for the peace, progress and prosperity of our state and our nation. I want you all, gentlemen of the press to continue to preach and encourage everyone to continue to participate in our electoral process. I am happy, driving here this morning that everywhere is peaceful and calm.’’

There are a few disturbing videos that we have seen of some party people doing one or two things but these videos are not veritable. I am not going to talk about it much. I want to say that I am very happy at the turnout here at this polling unit and I want to ask that all our voters should remain vigilant. If you see anything or see something please alight the security operatives. We don’t want any form of intimidation or violence in Lagos state. That is not acceptable.’’

Governor Sanwo-Olu also spoke in Yoruba language, saying that it was important that Lagos state democracy be peaceful and orderly. He expressed his thanks to Lagosians and the people of Lagos for taking the time to come out and vote.

The governor is seeking re-election for another four year term. He is being challenged by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party and Mr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The New Telegraph observed security operatives on the streets of Lagos but there was generally peace on the streets as most people remained calm.