Abuja (Sundiata Post) – Recall that the September 22 gubernatorial election in Osun state was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a result of the slim margin between the votes polled between Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Joseph Afuwape, the returning officer, said the margin between the candidate of the PDP and the candidate of the APC was not significant enough to declare a winner.
The PDP candidate polled 254,698 votes while the APC flag-bearer had 254,345, leaving a gap of 353 votes.
INEC’s election guideline made pursuant to Section 153 of the Electoral Act stipulates a rerun if the margin of victory in an election is lower than the number of voters in units where elections are cancelled.
Since the total number of cancelled votes (3,486) exceeds the difference between the two leading parties (353), Afuwape said it was impossible for him to declare any party as the winner.
Consequently, INEC announced that a rerun election would be conducted today, Thursday, September 27, specifically at the polling units where votes were cancelled, to enable the people of Osun state finally decide who will succeed Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
The supplementary contest is a straight battle between Adeleke and Oyetola. However, other parties will be allowed to participate. It will be taking place at seven polling units spanning through four local government areas, namely Ife North (one polling unit), Ife South (two polling unit), Osogbo (one polling unit) and Orolu (three polling unit).
The total number of voters in the units where the elections were cancelled is 3,498.
Breakdown of the areas where the re-reun will be conducted
- Ife North – Ward 10, PU2
- Ife South – Olode Ward 07, PU12, Adereti Village
- Ife South – Osi Ward 8 PU10, Aluti Erin Primary School, Albert village
- Orolu – Ward 08 PU001, Kajola village
- Orolu – Ward 08 PU004 Idi Iya village
- Orolu – Ward 09 PU 003 Gbogbo Primary School Adeleke
- Osogbo – Ataoja Ward 05 PU 017 Adewale Street
As the people of Osun state, particularly the polling units affected trooped out to finally decide who become their next governor between Adeleke and Oyetola.
[Orolu]: Voters and journalists have been allegedly chased away from polling units.
A yet-to-be-identfied man has just been arrested. He was caught distributing money. Our correspondent reported that he refused to reveal his name despite persuasion from the press. He, however, confirmed his offence was distributing money to voters.
He was allegedly in possession of Fake voters cards. He has been whisked away by security agents.
Osun Decides 2018: LIVE UPDATES from the rerun election
Source: Original
[Osogbo]: Dr Joe Odumakin, an activist and director of Women Arise for Change Innitiative said she is satisfied with wat she has seen here so far and said it means Nigerians are moving forward
“The election is peaceful. We have seen massive turnout despite the rain,” she said.
Osun Decides 2018: LIVE UPDATES from the rerun election
[Osogbo]: Rain has stopped. Voting continues smoothly.
[Osogbo]: Voters defy downpour remain on the queue to elect at polling unit.
Osun Decides 2018: LIVE UPDATES from the rerun election
Source: Original
Osun Decides 2018: LIVE UPDATES from the rerun election
Source: Original
Osun Decides 2018: LIVE UPDATES from the rerun election
Source: Original
Osun Decides 2018: LIVE UPDATES from the rerun election
[Osogbo]: Voters on queue patiently waiting for their turn.
Osun Decides 2018: LIVE UPDATES from the rerun election
[Oshogbo LGA]: Local and foreign observers at Unit 17, Ward 5, Osogbo.
Osun Decides 2018: LIVE UPDATES from the rerun election
[Osogbo LGA]: Dr Nwabu Gabriel, the head of Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizenship Awareness gave his observation of the election so far. He said the election is going on smoothly and commended INEC and the electorate for conducting themselves properly.
Osun Decides 2018: LIVE UPDATES from the rerun election
Source: Original
[Orolu]: Voters at Ìdìmú area of Ifọn-Orolu are allegedly unable to visit the three polling units in Orolu LG. Hoodlums are said to be turning back voters.
[Orolu LG]: At Idiya, Ward 8, Unit 1, voters have been allegedly driven away from the polling unit by hoodlums and they have taken refuge at the palace of Olufon of
Oshogbo LGA: Voting has commenced as aged people are reportedly given preference at PU 17, ward 5.
Voters standing in long cue at polling unit 17, Ward 5 in Oshogbo. Credit: Premium Times
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun state, Olusegun Agbaje visited Ward 5 Unit 17, Alekuwodo Osogbo.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun state, Olusegun Agbaje visited Ward 5 Unit 17, Alekuwodo Osogbo. Credit: The Punch
Source: UGC
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8am [Ward 5 Unit 17, Alekuwodo in Osogbo]: There is reportedly heavy presence of security operatives as voters are already on the queue waiting for voting to commence. INEC officials are also on ground.
The security operatives are stationed at the entrance of the street and at every adjoining street to prevent disruption of the exercise.
Osun Decides 2018: LIVE UPDATES from the rerun election
Source: Original
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7:15am [Orolu LGA]: There is apprehension in Ifon, Orolu LGA as residents gather in tens and hundreds discussing, a report by Premium Times states.
It was alleged that about twelve vehicles carrying thugs working for one of the parties drove ahead.
Observers, residents and other interested parties are waiting for security reinforcement to proceed to polling units.
Source: Naija.ng
