By Ayodele Popoola

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure, Dr Olumuyiwa Adu, popularly called Kubuna, the Chief Imam of Akure Empire, Alhaji Abdulhakeem Yayi-Akorede, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Ondo State Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, have expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the ongoing voting exercise in the state capital.

Speaking shortly after casting their votes at their respective polling units within the state capital, the trio described the process as a cornerstone of leadership selection, not only in the state but in Nigeria as a whole.

They described the turnout of voters in Akure as impressive and orderly, and also urged all prospective voters to sustain the peaceful atmosphere in the interest of the state.

They also commended the presence of security personnel, explaining that it had ensured law and order while creating a peaceful atmosphere where prospective voters could exercise their franchise without any form of intimidation or harassment.

Adu, after casting his vote at Ward 9 Unit 5, Oke-Aro/ Uro, said, “it is going on well, and we have not received any reports of intimidation, harassment, or deprivation of people exercising their franchise. At least, one way or the other, nobody is trying to exhibit undue advantage over others. We haven’t seen that.

“I think it is still going on very well. The hope is that, at the end of the day, we are going to have a very successful election. Of course, the result will be declared peacefully.”

On his part, Yayi-Akorede, after casting his vote at Ward 7, Unit 4, Ojumu Palace, Arakale, Akure, described the process as commendable.

“I feel good, and I believe that, according to the constitution of Nigeria, nobody can impose themselves as a leader anywhere in the country without undergoing this process. This is what we are doing today—choosing someone to guide us and lead us for another four years,” the Chief Imam stressed.

He also highlighted the Islamic perspective on leadership, noting that Islam prohibits self-imposition.

“Even according to Islamic injunctions, you cannot impose yourself as a leader on others. People need to vote for you; they need to choose you as their leader. Our Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) emphasised this principle, teaching that one should only lead if chosen by the people,” he explained.

He also appealed for peace during and after the election process.

“We are praying to Almighty God in His infinite mercy to guide us because we don’t want this process to cause havoc in our society. We need peace to reign, and we are doing our best to ensure it continues. Everything is moving smoothly, and we believe that, at the end of the day, people will rejoice and be happy,” Yayi-Akorede added.

After exercising his franchise at Ward 7, Unit 4, Ojumu Palace, Arakale, Akure, Prince Adeniyan observed that the election had been very peaceful, adding, “The turnout has been impressive, and everybody has been orderly. The security agencies have been moving around monitoring the situation.

“So far, so good, we’ve not had any incidents anywhere in Akure, particularly in Ward 7 and Unit 4, where I’m voting. Everything has been orderly, and people are still on the queue trying to cast their votes.

“My expectation is that the APC will emerge victorious and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will be elected for his first full term in office as the Governor of Ondo State.”

The voting exercise in Akure has been widely lauded for its orderly and peaceful atmosphere, with residents hopeful for a successful conclusion.