Osun Poll: Large Turnout Impressive Despite BVAS Delay – Rep Oluwole

By Joseph Sunday

The member representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Chairman of the APC Campaign Council in Osun State, Hon. Oke Oluwole, has described the ongoing electoral process in the state as impressive, despite initial hitches.

Oluwole stated this while speaking with journalists shortly after casting his vote on Saturday morning.

He commended the large turnout of voters at his polling unit.

“You can see the large turnout. It is impressive, save for the delay caused by the malfunctioning of the BVAS machine, which has just been fixed. Everything looks good,” he said.

The lawmaker also lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies for their professionalism and commitment to ensuring a credible exercise.

“INEC appears to be doing its job, vis-a-vis the security agencies. So, I am impressed for now,” he said.

Responding to concerns that the BVAS glitch could affect the credibility of the poll or disenfranchise voters, Oluwole expressed optimism that the issue had been permanently resolved.

“Well, I hope so. Every election season, we witness developments. It is a work in progress,” he noted.

On the need to sustain peace after the election, the APC chieftain called on residents of the state to remain harmonious regardless of political differences.

“Absolutely. It is only in a peaceful environment that you can witness progress. That is the ultimate. We have nothing more or less to do than to ensure that we co-exist peacefully. After this whole process, you will see families coming together – families that had divergent political opinions and different political inclinations, coming together as brothers and sisters,” he said.

He described the security situation on election morning as satisfactory, noting that voters were exercising their franchise freely without intimidation.

“As far as my ward is concerned, everything appears to be in order. The security men are up and doing their work; there is no interference. You can see citizens freely voting,” he added.

Oluwole urged eligible voters who were yet to vote to come out and participate in the process, while reiterating his commendation for INEC and security agencies.

“They should come out. I commend the security agencies, I commend INEC. They are constitutional bodies saddled with lawful responsibilities, and they are discharging them. I am impressed so far,” he concluded.