The former President's media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, explained that Obasanjo had travelled out of the country ten days before the election. However, his absence has sparked reactions from Nigerians, with some expressing disappointment in his decision not to exercise his civic duty.
Speaking on Obasanjo's absence, a former senator, Femi Okurounmu, described it as "regrettable." Okurounmu, who cast his vote at the same polling unit, said it was important for leaders to lead by example, especially in matters of national importance.
Also reacting, a human rights activist, Olu Omotayo, expressed disappointment, noting that Obasanjo's absence was a bad precedent. He called on the former President to always be available to perform his civic duty as a respected elder statesman.
Meanwhile, the election has been generally peaceful in Ogun State, with a high turnout of voters recorded in various polling units. In Abeokuta South Local Government Area, accreditation and voting commenced simultaneously at most polling units.
In Abeokuta North Local Government Area, there were reports of the late arrival of election materials in some polling units, leading to a delay in the commencement of the exercise. However, this did not deter voters who patiently waited for the arrival of officials.
Similarly, in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, the exercise was peaceful, with a high turnout of voters. However, there were reports of vote-buying in some areas, with politicians allegedly distributing cash to voters to influence their choices.
In Ifo Local Government Area, there were reports of violence and voter intimidation, with some hoodlums allegedly disrupting the exercise at polling units. The police, however, quickly intervened and restored order, leading to a resumption of the activity.
Speaking on the election, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Edward Ajogun, said security personnel had been deployed to all polling units to ensure a peaceful exercise. He warned that anyone caught disrupting the activity would be arrested and prosecuted.
Also, the Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Abdulganiy Raji, expressed satisfaction with the turnout of voters, noting that the exercise had been peaceful and orderly.
The governorship election in Ogun State is a keenly contested one, with 18 political parties fielding candidates. Some notable candidates include the incumbent governor, Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Gboyega Isiaka of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
As the exercise progresses, Nigerians hope for a peaceful and transparent process, with the outcome reflecting the people's will. They also call on political leaders to lead by example and respect the sanctity of the electoral process.