The gubernatorial election in Osun state has come and gone, but what about the memories? The poll will go down as one of the most dramatic events in the 23 years existence of Osun as a state. Here are some jottings in the reporter’s diary.
1. Voters were out at 6.50am
As early as 6.50 am, the people of Osun started trooping out to partake in the process of choosing the man that would preside over the affairs of their state for the next four years. Though there were about 20 candidates vying for the office of the governor, no one was in doubt that the race was between Senator Iyiola Omisore, a former deputy governor of the state, and the incumbent Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Not even showers of rain witnessed in some parts of state discouraged the people from exercising their electoral rights. Rather than return home, those who had umbrellas used them as shields, while others sought refuge at nearby locations around the polling zones until the rain subsided. The queues were really long.
In some places, men and women lined differently; but in other areas, they mixed. Though they had different candidates, the people united, exchanging banters and composing themselves in a civilised manner. Their patience is worthy of commendation, as the election process spanned several hours. From accreditation, voting to counting of votes and announcement at the polling unit, the people endured and took the result in good fate. Talk about sportsmanship.
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