Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Saturday expressed optimism about a significant voter turnout in the Ondo South Senatorial District by-election.

Mr Aiyedatiwa, who spoke with journalists at his polling unit 05 in Ugbo Ward 4, Obenla community, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, said the political atmosphere in the district had remained active ahead of the election.

The by-election is being conducted to fill the vacant Senate seat formerly occupied by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, recently appointed as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

The governor said his optimism was based on the level of participation witnessed during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary held about three weeks ago.

According to him, the enthusiasm displayed by party members during the primary is an indication that voters will also come out in appreciable numbers for the by-election.

He said, “We expect a good turnout of the people even though it is a by-election. If you look at the candidate of our party, Prof. Dayo Faduyile, a former President of the Nigerian Medical Association, he is well known and widely accepted.

“The primary election conducted three weeks ago attracted a large number of participants who came out to choose the party’s candidate, and the entire political environment has remained active. We expect people to come out in the same manner they did during the primary election.”

Mr Aiyedatiwa noted that the election was taking place across the six local government areas that make up the district, namely Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa, Irele, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo.

He expressed confidence that party structures and supporters across the district would mobilise voters to participate in the exercise.

The governor estimated that voter turnout could be below 100,000, noting that by-elections generally attract fewer voters than general election.

“We expect to get a very good number, though perhaps less than 100,000 because it is a by-election. If it were a general election, the figure would certainly be much higher,” he said.

Mr Aiyedatiwa also assured residents of adequate security, describing Ondo as one of the safest and most peaceful states in the country.

He urged eligible voters not to be intimidated and to participate peacefully in the electoral process.

He stated, “I want to encourage everyone to come out and vote. Ondo State is safe, and we are having a peaceful election. God has been helping us, and our security agencies are fully on ground and doing their jobs. Ondo is one of the safest and most peaceful states in Nigeria.

“I want to tell our people not to be afraid. However, if you see something, say something. Everyone should remain vigilant.” 

(NAN)