Gov. Okpebholo, APC Laud Turn Out At Edo LG Poll

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have described voters turnout in the ongoing Local Government Area election in the state as impressive, adding that the it is a true reflection of his good governance.

Okpebholo made the remark shortly after he cast his vote at Ward 2, Udomi Primary School, in Esan Central Local Government Area.

He arrived at his polling unit at about 10:24 a.m. and joined other voters on queue before exercising his civic responsibility at exactly 10:40 a.m.

The governor commended voters for their orderly conduct and said reports reaching him from other parts of the state indicated that the election was progressing peacefully.

“By the grace of God, a winner will emerge at the end of today’s election,” he said.

The governor urged residents to continue conducting themselves peacefully throughout the voting process and to await for official declaration of results by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).

Some Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed satisfaction with voters turnout and the peaceful conduct of the Edo local government election after casting their ballots in Benin City.

Voting commenced at about 9:00 a.m. at Ward 7, Polling Unit 42, New Benin, where the Edo APC Secretary, Lawrence Okah, voted.

The polling unit recorded a large turnout of voters, with many waiting patiently to cast their ballots in an orderly atmosphere.

Okah, who spoke to newsmen after casting his vote, dismissed claims that the election started late at his polling unit.

He said electoral officials arrived early and voting commenced once a sizeable number of voters had gathered.

Voters at Ward 7, unit 42 New Benin

“We started on time. The officials were here early, and when the crowd became sizeable, we began the process. As you can see, the turnout is impressive.

“People came out because they believe in the process, and everything is going smoothly. I am confident they will vote for the APC,” he said.

At Ward 7, Polling Unit 20, Edokpolor, the APC chairmanship candidate, Gabriel Edusei, also commended the turnout after casting his vote.

Gabriel Edusei casting his vote

Edusei described the voter participation as encouraging, saying it surpassed what he had witnessed in previous elections.

He attributed the turnout to what he described as the performance of the APC-led administration in Edo and expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious.

Voters casting their votes at Ward 7, unit 20, Edokplor

The APC chairmanship candidate also noted the presence of agents of other political parties at the polling unit, describing it as an indication of transparency in the electoral process.