Clement Adeyi, Osogbo
Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) senatorial candidate in Osun East, Francis Fadahunsi, clashed with Army operatives on patrol in Ilase town during yesterday’s polls.
He accused them of blocking the gate leading to the polling unit at his Ward 4, Unit 1, NUD Primary School, with their patrol van. Fadahunsi urged them to vacate the place, saying that their presence was capable of scaring away voters.
He argued that military officers were not supposed to operate too close to polling units because they were armed, adding that it was only the police that should be seen around the units, but not soldiers.
The officers, however, argued that they were on patrol and needed to be on ground to monitor election activities. They added that they did not embarrass anybody while carrying out their duties but later left the place.
As soon as they left the gate, voters who were waiting with apprehension, trooped to the polling unit to cast their votes.
Fadahunsi, however, described the process as very peaceful. He commended the INEC for proper preparation, following prompt arrival of materials and proper functioning of the card readers.
He expressed optimism that he would emerge victorious at the end of the poll.
The candidate of All Progress Congress (APC), for Osun State House of Assembly, Bosun Oyintiloye, also commended the process. He called on INEC to keep up the dexterity it demonstrated in conducting the polls in subsequent elections.