By Oludamisi Ojo
Saturday’s Bye-election for Akure North/South federal constituency in Ondo state attracted hugturnoutut of Voters in many voting location.
However, there was disorder at Gbogi Isinkan II, Ward 3, Unit 14 of Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency bye-election, Mayokun Alade, was chased out of his polling unit.
The incident almost marred the election at the polling unit as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused Alade of financial inducement.
The timely intervention of security agencies and APC leaders was said to have assisted Alade from being whisked out of the venue to safety.
It was learned that the people were protesting against the APC candidate as he was seen from a distance giving some people money, allegedly to induce them to vote for him.
He was said to be hurriedly moved out of the scene as the people mobilized against him and were prevented from voting.
Some APC members, who spoke in confidence confirmed the development.
They said their candidate only appreciated party supporters by giving them money for soft drinks.
According to them, it was PDP members who mobilized to disrupt the voting process in the polling unit to spoil their candidate’s chances.
They affirmed that he was prevented from voting.
But in defense Alade, debunked the allegation, saying the people spotted him in white and hailed him.
He said” They are trying to hug me. I did not give anybody money to vote for me.”
The APC flag bearer said he had voted before he was whisked out of the premises so as not to disrupt the election.
He expressed certainty that he would win the election due to his developmental agenda for the growth of Akure Kingdom.
In Oba-ile St Paul’s Ward nine, unit three, Akure North local government, it was learned that the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa who hails from riverine Ilaje local government allegedly came to the area with money to induce voters, but was also resisted by PDP supporters. Although he denied coming to Oba-Ile, and at the same time said he was not living at the Government House.
But one of the APC leaders and former Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye who is an indigene of Oba-Ile confirmed the presence of the Deputy Governor in Oba-Ile.
In Alagbaka Primary School Unit, it was also reported that there was an attempt by some APC leaders to induce voters, but vigilant members of the opposition PDP raised the alarm.
At Iju/Itaogbolu Ward Eight, Unit Five, the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Tayo Alasoadura observed that there was a problem with Card Readers at the beginning of the voting exercise, but expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the poll.
One of the PDP leaders, Eyitayo Jegede who voted at the Cathedral ward four expressed optimism that his party’s candidate Muyiwa Adu will win the seat left vacant by late Adedayo Omolafe( Expensive).
PDP’s candidate, A du who spoke with reporters after casting his vote said after extensive campaigns around the two Federal Constituencies, he was sure of victory at the end of the day.
As of press time, INEC officials are collating the votes for immediate counting.
