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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Ondo by-election: Residents, motorists defy movement restriction order

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Residents and commercial motorists in Okitipupa, Ondo State, defied a movement restriction order imposed for a senatorial by-election.
  • Shops remained open, and commercial vehicles operated freely, with many residents prioritizing business over the election.
  • Despite the defiance, election officials and materials arrived on time at polling units, with security present.

Residents of Okitipupa in Nigeria's Ondo State largely ignored a movement restriction order issued for a senatorial by-election on Saturday. The police had announced the restriction from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. across six local government areas to ensure security during the vote.

I have a business meeting to catch up with and this election is not a serious one, I just have to go for my business and which will fetch me better money.

— Mrs. Iyabo AderantiA passenger explaining her reason for defying the movement restriction order.

However, a check by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) revealed that many residents moved freely, shops stayed open, and commercial motorists and motorcycle operators continued their business. Transporters at inter-state motor parks also did not comply with the order.

Some residents cited economic reasons for defying the restriction. "I have a business meeting to catch up with and this election is not a serious one, I just have to go for my business and which will fetch me better money," said passenger Mrs. Iyabo Aderanti. Commercial driver Mr. Niyi Akindele added, "Everything is skyrocketing now, and one needs to work hard to make ends meet, so I can’t lose today’s money because of the by-election."

Everything is skyrocketing now, and one needs to work hard to make ends meet, so I can’t lose today’s money because of the by-election.

— Mr. Niyi AkindeleA commercial driver explaining his reason for defying the movement restriction order.

Meanwhile, at polling units in Ward 1, Okitipupa, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ad hoc staff arrived early with materials. Police officers were present, and voters queued for accreditation. One INEC ad hoc staff member confirmed their early arrival and readiness to conduct the election.

We have been here since 7am and as you can see, we have arranged the ballot box, cubicle, and all the materials are here. We are only waiting for the voters to be here.

— Miss Jade BabalolaAn INEC ad hoc staff member describing the preparations at a polling unit.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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