12th April, 2015
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta on Saturday commended the people of the state for the peaceful conduct of the Governorship and State Assembly polls in the state.
Uduaghan gave the commendation shortly after casting his vote in Abigborodo, Warri North Local Government Area of the state.
The governor also applauded the efficiency of the card readers, noting that there was a great improvement compared to the last presidential election.
“The election is peaceful in Delta going by the information emanating from the field in various parts of the state.
“I thank the people of Delta for their peaceful disposition throughout the conduct of the election.”
Meanwhile, Mr Great Ogboru, the Labour Party (LP) Governorship candidate in the state, expressed displeasure at the election. Ogboru alleged that some members of the opposition parties were prevented from voting in four local government areas in Delta North.
“There were also reported cases of hijacked ballot boxes in Bomadi, Eku and Opara Inland waterside.
“However, I am sure of winning 15 out the 25 local government areas in the state,” he said. Similarly, Mr Robinson Ariyo, the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate in Warri South Constituency (2) said the election was marred by irregularities.
Ariyo alleged that political thugs used guns to scare the electorate away in Omadina and Ugbuagwen communities in Warri South.
He also alleged electoral manipulation in most parts of the wards in constituency, adding that he would report the issue to the appropriate authority.
“Voting is supposed to begin immediately after accreditation; but in this case, accreditation and voting were going on simultaneously.
“I am going to fight this because I believe in the rule of law and would ensure that only the lawful votes count.
“It is sad that a community that I belong to will use the commonwealth of the people to oppress and ensure we retrogress instead of progressing.”
He also alleged that he was attacked by thugs and his vehicle badly damaged.
Ariyo said that even if he eventually emerged winner, he would make a point that the election was a disgrace to humanity.
He claimed that there were alleged cases of snatched ballot boxes in Ward Seven in Bomadi local government area and in Ward Seven in Ozoro, Isoko North and Orhuwhoron in Udu Local Government Areas of the state.
NAN reports that there was massive turnout of voters in Sapele and Ughelli North to exercise their franchise.
However, in some parts of Uvwie Local Government Area like Ekpan, Effurun Ugboroke, Ugborikoko communities, there was, however, low turnout of voters was evident.