The Chairman, Orile Agege Local Council Development Area, Mr. Johnson Babatunde and the Chairman, Arewa Community of APC in Lagos State , Alhaji Saadu Yusuf Gulma have both described Saturday Governorship / House of Assembly election in Lagos State as free, fair and credible.
Speaking with THEWILL, Babatunde said the election was free and fair, but said the turnout was not impressive.
“The turnout was low, too low. Our people have not learnt from the past. All the political parties did enough campaigning. They campaigned for the people to come out and vote. But to our surprise, the turnout was just too low. Even in this area, we expected that many people would turn out for the voting exercise but that wasn’t the case. We have a lot of things to campaign on and to show for the people to see. Despite the fact that we are in an electioneering period, I still embarked on some capital projects”.
“But generally the election was peaceful as far as this area is concerned. There is the need for us to let the people know that their votes count. It is not an issue of selection, it is an issue of election. The BVAS machine is working. And I have been in touch with the INEC officials and they have been responding. Give it to INEC here, if you call them they are responding.
“We had a little issue at the beginning and later things went well.
“During the presidential election, the youths came out in large numbers. There was this enthusiasm but this one, I think they feel discouraged, they didn’t come out.
Also speaking the Chairman, Arewa Community APC in Lagos, Alhaji Saadu Yusuf Gulma said there were improvements in the conduct of the election.
“The election was well organized. INEC improved from its performance in the past. Number one, the INEC officials were in their seats very early unlike what happened during the presidential election. Today they came early. In my polling unit here, they came before 9am. In the presidential election they came at 11.30am. This time the INEC and its officials have improved in their conduct and efficiency..
Gulma also commended Lagosians especially the Arewa people living in Lagos State for turning out in large numbers to cast their vote for the incumbent governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“The voter turnout has improved. The only problem is that the youths didn’t turn out to vote. I don’t know why. With the new President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in the next election you will see the difference. I am sure he is going to address the grievances of our youths. I have confidence things will improve.”
“Some of the youths are being misdirected but the current administration will improve everything”.
AYO ESAN, has been actively reporting and analyzing political events for different newspapers for over 18 years. He has also successfully covered national and state elections in Nigeria since the inception of this democracy in 1999.
