Local government polls commence in Ogun

Voting has begun in the 20 local government areas of Ogun state to elect Council Chairmen and Councillors.

Accreditation started at about 8AM in most parts of the state and casting of votes commenced at 12noon. However a low turnout has being recorded in most places in the local poll.

The process is generally peaceful and orderly in most of the polling centers visited by Channels TV.

At Arigbajo polling center in Ewekoro local government, voters told Channels TV that they are happy with the conduct of the election so far.

Movement of people and vehicles are restricted except for those on election or other essential duties until 3PM when the polls are expected to close.

Streets are deserted and armed soldiers and riot police officers mount road blocks on major roads around the state.

The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has also barred the vigilante service in the state, from parading polling centers, giving permission only to police and paramilitary agencies to provide security across the 236 polling booths.

77 candidates are contesting for the chairmen offices while 569 candidates were cleared to contest the council polls.

The new local council executives are expected to emerge from the election to relieve the transition committees which has been on ground for over a year.