From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Plateau State electorate have came out in mass to for the Presidential, Senatorial and House of Representatives polls to exercise their civic right as early as 6am to cast their votes.
The polling units visited by our correspondent within the Northern zone, voters were seen waiting patiently for the INEC officials ,while some of the polling Units there were no official of INEC at about 11: 45am.
The exercise went on smoothly without any hitches or hindrance as security agents are on alert to curtail any unforseen circumstances that may arise.
Both sensitive and non sensitive materials arrived on time.
INEC Officers and Materials arrived at about 7 minutes after 8, polling unit 976 votersat Jenta Apata in Jos North and voting started at ,9:45 am.
In all polling Units securities personnels were seen.
There was large turn out of voters however priority were given to elderly, People Living With Disabilities and pregnant women.
Speaking sulieman Kwande a Senatorial candidate shortly after casting his vote, assured that the exercise would be a free and fear.
He expressed satisfaction at the turn out of voters and the presence of the security personnel.
While Musa Bagos also expressed satisfaction and prayed that at the end of voting it would be free and fair.
He said with what saw so far,he hope that,their votes would be counted rightly.
While at the Central Zone voters came out early to vote the candidates of their choice, where some some polling Units INEC Staffs and materials arrived late.
Also at the Southern Zone of the State Governor Simon Lalong casted his vote at his polling unit in Ajikamai, Shendam Local Government Area with optimism that the APC will emerge victorious at the end of the day.
The governor who is running for the Senatorial seat of Plateau South District was joined by his wife Mrs. Regina Lalong, his children and other household members.
The Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council said he was highly impressed with the turn out of voters in various polling units he sighted on his way to vote as well as from reports he has been receiving across the State.
According to him, so far, the elections have been going on peacefully as there is no report available to him of any threat to the exercise in the State.
While commending the people of the state for their enthusiasm and peaceful conduct which he said affirms their maturity in politics.
While answering questions from journalists, the Governor urged the citizens to avoid anything that will cause breach of the peace throughout the voting process and when results are announced, saying INEC has assured of its neutrality and determination to ensure that votes count.
He said those who may be aggrieved should use legal channels to seek redress rather than instigate violence and destruction which does not help the nation.
Asked how he feels voting for himself as candidate for Senate,he said, “I am used to it and this is not the first time, I did so many years back as Member House of Assembly voted twice; during my Recall ordeal; as Governor twice and now as Senator by the grace of God.
According to him, I am indebted to my people for their confidence in me and continuous support which I will never betray” and commended INEC officials security personnel, observers, party agents and the electorate in general for doing their best towards the success of the elections.
