The local government election in Ondo on Saturday commenced with heavy security presence across the state.

The council election is holding in the 18 local government areas and 203 political wards of the state, with 13 political parties participating.

Personnel of the Nigeria police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were observed at polling centres and strategic places.

As early as 7:00 a.m., security personnel were seen at strategic points on major roads across the state, including the front of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), Akure, and on the Airport Road in Akure North LGA.

Also, at Agbogbo roundabout, Fiwasaye/Mobil junction and in front of the A Division, Nigeria Police, on Oba Adesida Road, teams of security personnel were seen enforcing the restriction of movement order as they turned back vehicles and persons who were not on essential duties.

In Okitipupa and its environs, personnel of security agencies were also seen on major roads and at some polling units.

However, reports show that some residents went about their businesses, as some youths were seen playing soccer at the Ijapo Housing Estate field and Ward 10 Unit, Odo-Ikoyi, in Akure South LGA.

Commercial activities were also noticed in some areas of the state, as some shop owners and food vendors opened for business.

Meanwhile, the poll began early in most of the LGAs, with the timely arrival of ODIEC officers and the election materials at the polling unit.

At St. Stephen Primary School, Ward 4, Unit 27, Ijomu Oba’nla in Akure, voters were seen participating in the election by casting their votes.

One of the electorates, Bamidele Ojo, who spoke to The Gazette, said he was happy to come out and exercise his civic rights, describing the voting process as seamless.

“I have just exercised my rights. I’m happy to be outside to cast my vote. I was joined by my wife, who came here to perform her civil duty too,” Mr Ojo said.

Also, the electorates trooped out to cast their votes at Mofere Ward 8, Unit 2 at Iju/Ita Ogbulu.

Johnson Ogunbolude, a chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure North LGA, who voted in the ward, expressed confidence in winning the election.

There were no reports of electoral violence at the time of this report.

Meanwhile, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has commended the state electoral body for the seamless conduct of the ongoing council election.

Mr Aiyedatiwa, who spoke after voting at his polling unit 5, Ward 4 in Ilaje LGA, saluted the state’s people for coming out to participate.

“I just cast my vote without any crisis. This is just what happened on the November 16, 2024, governorship election, which was adjudged to be free and fair.

“The materials arrived early, and the security and the citizens are here they are participating, and at the end of the day, just as we have in the last election, we don’t expect anything else,” he said.

The governor reiterated his commitment to the effective running of the local government system, especially in line with the provisions of the law.

He, however, described the council election as a step toward enhancing grassroots development in the state.