Fewer than 100,000 voters may determine outcome of Ondo south bye-election — Aiyedatiwa

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has projected that the number of voters who will determine the outcome of the Ondo South Senatorial District bye-election may not exceed 100,000, attributing the expected figure to the nature of the election.

Aiyedatiwa made the projection on Saturday after casting his ballot at Ward 4, Unit 5, Obenla, in Ilaje Local Government Area, one of the six councils participating in the senatorial election.

The governor expressed confidence in the level of participation despite the bye-election status of the exercise, saying the political atmosphere in the district remained active following the enthusiasm recorded during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election held about three weeks earlier.

The Ondo South senatorial seat became vacant after the appointment of former occupant, Jimoh Ibrahim, as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, prompting the need for a fresh election to fill the position.

Speaking after voting, Aiyedatiwa said the election covered Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa, Irele, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo local government areas that make up the senatorial district.

“We expect a good turnout of voters even though it is a bye-election. Looking at the participation recorded during our primary election, the political environment is active and people are ready to come out and vote,” the governor said.

He, however, noted that voter turnout was likely to remain below the figures usually recorded during general elections.

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

The governor also expressed confidence in the chances of the APC in the election, stating that the party’s grassroots structure across the district remained strong and well mobilised.

Aiyedatiwa urged residents of Ondo South to participate peacefully in the electoral process, assuring voters that adequate security measures had been put in place to protect lives and property.

He described Ondo State as one of the safest and most peaceful states in Nigeria, while commending security agencies for maintaining order during the exercise.

“I want to encourage everyone to come out and vote. Ondo State is safe, and we are having a peaceful election. Our security agencies are on top of their responsibilities. People should not be afraid, but they should remain vigilant. If you see something, say something,” he said.