Counting of votes is on in Edo State with the end of voting in the state governorship election on Saturday which was largely peacefully in many areas.
Reports from team of independent monitors indicate that Incumbent Governor Adams Oshiomhole of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, is leading Major General Charles Airhiavbere of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in majority of the Local Governments in the state.
Results have already been announced in some voting units as at press time.
NAN correspondents, who covered the election, reported that the main politicians in the state voted early in their communities.
In Edo North Senatorial District and Edo Central Senatorial District voting ended early but in Edo South Senatorial District, voting continued till 5p.m. because of the late commencement of accreditation in some polling units.
Gov. Oshiomhole , the Governorship Candidate of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), cast his ballot at Iyamo Ward 10, Unit I, Etsako West Local Government Area, at 12.50 p.m.
In Edo Central Senatorial Zone, a chieftain of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), , Chief Tony Anenih, voted at Uzenama Primary School in Arue, Uromi, Esan West Local Government Area, at 12.45p.m.
However, the accreditation of voters and voting went on simultaneously at Egbele Primary School, Uromi, as many people in two units had not been accredited at the time voting started.
Also, the PDP Governorship Candidate, Maj.-Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, a retired army officer, voted at 3.03 p.m. at Garrick Memorial Primary School, Ekewan in Oredo Local Government Area.
He expressed the hope that the election would be free and fair and that he would win the election.
In Igueben Local Government Area, Chief Tom Ikimi, a leading member of ACN, voted in Eguare Primary School, Ward II, at 12.34 and said the turnout of voters was reasonable and the conduct of the poll peaceful.
NAN reports that because of some challenges relating to the register of voters, voting continued in some parts of Edo South Senatorial District, especially in Oredo Local Government Area. (NAN)
GOVERNOR OF KOGI, CAPTAIN IDRIS WADA