By Seyi Babalola
Mr Festus Akingbaso, the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) Deputy Governorship candidate in Ondo State, has expressed concern about an invasion of thugs in the state’s Idanre local government area.
Akingbaso, a member of the House of Representatives, speaks with journalists after casting his ballot at Polling Unit 005, Oke Imikan.
The lawmaker said he was delighted with election participation and security thus far, but he was concerned about thugs’ actions.
Akingbaso said, “The turnout of voters is not bad; the security situation is also not bad. I have not seen anything wrong at this moment. I also want to commend INEC because it has not performed badly so far.
“My advice to the voters is that whenever they cast their votes, they should wait behind and keep watch until the final result has been announced. If everything goes as planned, my party will win.”
Speaking on the alleged influx of suspected party thugs in Idanre, he said, “Information reaching me is that the majority of the villages are filled with thugs allegedly brought in by the APC. At the moment, all the villages are occupied with thugs. Villages like Ofosun, Omifunfun, and Allah are occupied.
“There is a place called Igbepo where suspected thugs are in their numbers in Idanre local government area. An incident happened in Ofosun where suspected thugs broke into the house of a party member to prevent him from voting. We were informed that there are plans not to allow people in the villages to vote.
“Since Friday, the APC has been alleged to have brought in suspected thugs.
“I have reported the matter to the DPO and DSS. To my expectation, the security agencies have not been able to do anything.”