Voting in the Edo State governorship election has commenced in some wards across the state.
A visit by BusinessDay to some wards in Oredo Local Government Area showed that accreditation of voters started at about 08:30 am while voting commenced at 9am.
It was also observed that the electorate were asked to observe the COVID-19 precautionary measures such as handwashing, use of facemasks, before entering the polling units.
The voting processes started with persons with disabilities, pregnant women and aged members of the society.
The contest is believed to be between Godwin Obaseki, the incumbent governor of the state and candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The two contestants also slugged it out in the 2016 governorship election in Edo State – Obaseki for the APC and Ize-Iyamu for PDP – with Obaseki emerging victorious. Both men have switched positions in the 2020 election.
Speaking with BusinessDay after casting her vote at ward 04 in Oredo LGA, Martina Obahiagbon, a relative to the PDP governorship candidate, Godwin Obaseki, urged the people to shun violence.
The octogenarian, who expressed hope that the PDP candidate would emerge victorious, said, “I am very happy because it is my son, Godwin Obaseki, that is contesting, and no matter my situation I must come here to vote.”
