IJEBU-ODE (OGUN) – Ahead of the general elections commencing with Saturday’s presidential poll, residents of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun have expressed optimism over a successful outcome of the exercise.
Some of the residents, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, said the outcome would be a watershed in the annals of electoral processes in the country.
NAN reports that most people were of the opinion that the elections, if free, fair and credible as expected, would help deepen the nation’s democracy and foster rapid development.
“The elections, if we are able to go through it unscathed, are expected to be a reference point for other nations.
“Never has an election garnered so much momentum in the country like this.
“We hope we, the electorates, would truly be given the chance to choose leaders of our choice and we can’t wait,” said Taoridi Adebayo, a mechanic.
Another respondent, Mrs Iniebi Awoyemi, said the nation could not afford to disappoint its observers and appealed to eligible voters to come out and vote.
“ The consequence of not voting is that you are ruled by others who may not be your choice.
“ Each vote cast is very impotant.
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“I have my permanent voters card and hopefully, I will exercise my civic duty on the day,” she said.
Dr Tolani Hassan, a senior lecturer at the College of Management and Social Sciences, Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu-Ode, canvassed for violence-free polls.
“We must connect politics back to the community and social participation where everybody’s opinion is respected from the least to the great.
“We must also connect with a vision of the world that is optimistic and forward-looking rather than being angry and reactionary.
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“If we do this, our whole political system will benefit; not just for these elections, but for the growth of our democracy in the long run,” Hassan said.
While commending INEC’s level of organisation toward the polls, the don urged the electoral body to ensure that voting materials arrive on time at polling units. (NAN)
