Jonathan Leads in Early Results in Ogun, Ribadu Trails

From the results collated in some polling booths around Abeokuta North Local Government Area, in the Ogun state capital, both the Action Congress of Nigeria candidate, Nuhu Ribadu and the PDP candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan appeared to be running neck and neck, with Jonathan having a slight edge.

At the two polling booths located in front of former president Olusegun Obasanjo’s family house in Abeokuta, PDP won. The party scored 100 votes in unit 1 and 182 votes in the second unit. The Action Congress scored 63 in the first unit and recorded 119 in the second unit.

At Oke Ilewo (spotfield 1and 2) PDP won with 109 and 131 respectively. The Action Congress had 86 and 78 respectively.

Earlier, Obasanjo in his usual hilarious manner this afternoon had gesticulated with his hands and face saying it signifies PDP’s victory in today’s presidential election. The drama took place shortly after casting his vote around 1pm at the African Church Grammar School, Ita Sokori polling booth in front of his house.

When asked to explain his gesticulation, the former president said it is a sign of victory for his party in today’s election,

Commenting on the poor turnout of voters, Obasanjo said it was nothing unusual, stressing that it is always the case in a presidential election. He agreed that more voters usually troop out during the governorship election.

He expressed his wish that today’s election will continue to be peaceful, adding: “My election in 1999 put paid to ethnic politics in Nigeria. I hope today’s election will further strenghten this.”.

Accreditation of voters started very early in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. As early as 8am accreditation has started in polling booths located in Ita Eko, Oke Ilewo, Adatan Sapon, Olomore, MKO abiola Way, Akin Olugbade Social Centre, Lantoro, Ibara and other places visited in the Abeokuta metropolis.

Turnout was generally poor in most of the booths visited when compared to that of last Saturday during the national assembly elections. As at the time of filling this report, voting has ended and results announced in most of the polling booths.

There was no violence at most of the polling booths.

Security was tight as usual with a combined team of anti riot policemen and soldiers providing security throughout the metropolis.

Speaking earlier with PMNEWS, the state commissioner of police, Olayinka Balogun said adequate measures had been taken to ensure security throughout the period of the elections.

By Lanre Babalola/Abeokuta