Osun Re-Run: Armed Security Operatives Present as Voting Commences in Polling Units [photos]

Osun Re-Run: Armed Security Operatives Present as Voting Commences in Polling Units [photos]

As the highly anticipated governorship election that pits the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) began this morning, heavily armed security men were sighted close to the polling units.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on Sunday ordered a re-run election in the polling units where disruptions occurred in last Saturday’s governorship election.

Based on reports, voting began in the polling units at the present time of 8 am despite heavy rainfall. The process has been peaceful so far.

A large detachment of security personnel were seen around adjourning streets.

The Armed men of the police force, army and the Department of State Services (DSS) were strategically positioned to ensure there are no disruptions.

Those coming to the unit were asked to identify themselves by their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) and only accredited journalists were granted access to the unit.

The voters arrived at the polling units before the 8 am time set for the start of the voting exercise. They even showed uncommon resolve when most of them refused to seek shelter despite heavy rainfall. There were also hordes of security operatives, local and international election observers present.

There was palpable tension in some parts of Osun State ahead of today’s rerun election as hundreds of military personnel replaced policemen to provide security during the exercise. Heavy deployment of military men were observed on Wednesday morning in Osogbo, the Osun state capital and Ifon, in Orolu Local Government. Some military vehicles were also seen moving towards Ile-Ife.

The rerun election holding today became necessary because of the inconclusive governorship election on Saturday. It is currently taking place in seven polling units located in Osogbo, Orolu, Ife-South and Ife-North Local Governments.

The rerun election is pitting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Osun Re-Run: Armed Security Operatives Present as Voting Commences in Polling Units [photos]