Mr Oladele Adekanye, a former Lagos lawmaker, on Saturday said that the 2023 Nigerian election could compete favourably with elections in advanced democracies, following the smooth process of the ongoing Governorship and State Assembly elections in Lagos state.
Adekanye, who represented Lagos Mainland Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, after casting his vote at Polling Unit 018, Ward Olaleye Oke-Olu, Lagos Mainland.
Adekeye, also a former Chairman, Lagos Mainland Local Government, said the seamless process of the election could be likened with what is obtainable in developed countries.
He noted that ‘if this could be sustained, the Nigerian elections will continue to be free, fair and credible.
“I must commend INEC; in terms of logistics, they arrived here with the election materials very early and I have been told the same report is replicated all over this area.
“People who are ready to vote from about 8.30.a.m, have been able to take advantage of the early arrival of the INEC officials.
“The election has been orderly and well organised. So, I commend INEC for this. The process has also been peaceful as well and I commend our people on their conduct.
“This is to say that gradually we are imbibing the principles of democracy with the way people have conducted themselves.
“So far, there is no violence and the election process is highly commendable, hence, I advise that this be upheld and sustained.”
According to him, the exercise has been peaceful and seamless because the masses are becoming more conscious of the principles and gains of democracy.
He expressed optimism that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for the governorship and state assembly elections would win all the seats in the state.
Adekanye charged party faithful to accept the outcome of the elections in good faith and in accordance with the tenet of democracy and sportsmanship.
NAN reports that voting started at 8.30 a.m. at other polling units such as: Polling Unit 38 and Polling Unit 9, St. Agnes Primary School, Ward Alagomeji, Lagos Mainland. (NAN)
