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Voting in the ongoing local government elections in Lagos State has been described as peaceful and orderly, with a fair turnout recorded at the Ikosi International Fruit Market.
Mr. Sola Olugungboye, Secretary of the Ikosi International Fruit Market, told journalists on Saturday that traders turned out en masse to perform their civic duty.
He commended the electoral officers for maintaining order and ensuring a smooth process.
“So far, voting has been peaceful. All our sellers are fully involved and have come out to vote. There’s no disruption, and everything is moving well,” Olugungboye said
When our correspondent visited the market-based polling unit, a large crowd of onlookers and observers were seen making videos, cheering, and enjoying the atmosphere as they awaited the close of voting scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
Our correspondent also observed a queue of accredited voters waiting to cast their votes.
Among the voters was an 84-year-old, who identified herself as the Iyaloja (market leader) of the fruit market.
She said she had cast her vote earlier in the day and was determined to wait until votes were counted.
“I have voted. I will stay here and see that they count our votes. This is our duty as citizens,” she said in Yoruba.
The local government elections, organised by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, are being held across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas. The exercise will determine the next set of chairmen and councillors responsible for grassroots governance in the state.
The elections, which began at 8:30 a.m., are expected to end by 3:00 p.m., after which counting will commence at each polling unit.
Despite concerns raised about voter apathy in other areas of Ikosi, about voter apathy, signs the market suggest increased engagement from residents and traders.
However, a full assessment of turnout across the state remains to be seen as the process concludes.
LASIEC has assured Lagosians of a free, fair, and transparent election.
