APC alleges fraud in Ile-Ife

Yesterday’s peaceful governorship election in Osun State was marred by an alleged electoral fraud in Ile-Ife, the hometown of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Iyiola Omisore. The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in the town, Mr Sikiru Ayedun, alleged that some election materials meant for Ife South Local Government Area were diverted to other places.

Ayedun, who is the state’s Commissioner for Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism, alleged that some traditional rulers in the area influenced the diversion of the materials.

But, a leader of the PDP in the area, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode debunked the allegation, saying the election was peaceful in Ile-Ife and its environs. Fani-Kayode commended the security operatives deployed to the state for the smooth conduct of the exercise.

He said the election was peaceful as a result of the security measure put in place.

Also, the Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan said the election was peaceful because of the security operatives deployed by the Federal Government.

Adesiyan commended the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state and the security operatives for co-operating with the electorate.

He stressed that the final results of the election would show the most popular candidate in the state.

According to him, the election was credible, with people exercising their franchise without fear or intimidation.

Security personnel, were, however seen positioned strategically in all major roads in the towns and villages within the state.

Although INEC was yet to release the results of the election officially, reports indicated that the APC was leading in Osogbo, Olorunda, Ede South, Ede North and Ifelodun Local Government Areas while PDP is leading in Ife and its environs.