By Our Correspondent in Benin
The Edo state political space on Saturday, opened for 15 political parties to test their strength for the election of the next Governor for the state for the next four years, the Reporters, an online publication reports.
Our correspondent in Benin reports that a tranquil atmosphere depicting the resolve of the electorate to electe the governor of their choice in a peaceful atmosphere that will ensure free,fair and credible election.
Our further reports that stakeholders, especially the security personnel were seen positioned in strategic areas, to check questionable movements.
The INEC officials are also upto their billing as they were seen making sure that the exercise is devoid of any negative development.
Polling booths are also set for the accreditation of voters toward casting of votes toward proper voting.
However, tension brewed at polling unit 19, ward 04, Oredo Local Government Area of Edo, where Godwin Obaseki, governor of the state, is billed to vote.
Our correspondent observed that supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) attacked each other shortly after the governor arrived at his polling unit.
Obaseki, candidate of the PDP, lurking horns Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the APC in the election.
Despite the development the candidate of All Progressives Congress,Ize-Iyamu has cast his vote at his polling unit PU 026 ward 5, Iguododo.
At Ward 1, Unit 9 at Ugbogbo quarter, in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, LGA, electorate were seena eagerly waiting to cast their votes.
However, they complained about bitterly about malfunction of some of the card readers in the unit as at the time of this report.
So far, Reporters gathered that the exercise has been, by and large, going on smoothly and peacefully, coupled with impressive turnout of voters in most wards visited as well as massive presence of security personnel to check likelihood of any crisis.
Our correspondent also observed substantial compliance with restriction movement across the state,while notable streets, especially in Benin, do not record the usual traffic as the residents move to their respective polling stations for accreditation.
Also reports from Uzzebba, Igueben, Auchi, Ososo, Ekpoma, Jattu and Ughoton,among others indicate impressive turnout and orderly situation. Edo has 193 wards with 18 local government areas.
Security operatives were seen at their duty posts ensuring compliance to restriction on movement of people and vehicles during election at the strategic locations in the three senatorial districts of the state: Edo South, Central and North.
Bondaries are also being suoervised by security personnel, especially those of Edo South — Idogbo, Etete/Adesuwa, Oluku, Upper Siluko, Ologbo and Eyean.
Vehicles without movement permit were ordered to park and checked for Permanent Voter Card (PVC) before they could be allowed to pass the state.
There was no much difference in Ekpoma, Iruepken in Edo Central, Okepella, Jattu junction and Agbede in Edo North among other areas.
More details as the events in the exercise unfold—
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