The Chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Taiwo Salami, has lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies for the conduct of the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election.

He gave the commendation during an interview on Saturday at Ward 10, Unit 11, opposite All Souls Church, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Mr Salami, however, said he was unable to vote because the BVAS machine had network issues.

He said, “I was asked to come back later because the BVAS machine couldn’t verify me. But in all, the exercise is fair, security personnel and INEC officials were on ground. The conduct has been quite peaceful, but turnout has not been encouraging in the way we expected, maybe because it is a by-election. We are still hopeful that people will come out to be accredited and vote. In one or two areas, the BVAS might not accredit voters. I tried to be accredited, but the machine did not accredit me; maybe it is due to network issues.’’

However, Adekunle Agbota said he was able to vote at the centre.

Mr Agbota decried the low turnout of voters, saying “people are coming in ones and twos; they vote and leave.

He stated, “INEC and security personnel are on ground. The machine is working relatively well, although it may not accredit everybody in time.’’

The by-election, arising from the death of an All Progressives Congress member of the House of Assembly, Olajide Akinremi, is being contested by five political parties.

The parties ADC, APC, APGA, PDP, and the ZLP.

(NAN)