News Investigators/ Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday defied early morning rain in Lagos to participate in the party’s senatorial primary elections across various Local Government Areas of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that party members and supporters gathered early at their respective venues for the exercise.
At Awori College, Ojo, venue of the exercise, a NAN correspondent reports that both elderly and young party members were already seated as at 8.00 a.m.
While many shielded themselves with umbrellas, others walked in the rain, determined to cast their votes.
NAN reports that although the venue gate had yet to be opened early in the morning, more party members continued to arrive in the rain.
There was also a massive turnout for the Lagos West Senatorial District primary election in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area as rainfall was recorded in the area.
Party members were seen arriving at the voting centre as early as 7.45 a.m., waiting patiently for the commencement of the exercise.
Some members who spoke with NAN expressed optimism that the primaries would be peaceful, free and credible.
A retired Permanent Secretary in Lagos State, Dr Regina Obasa, said residents remained optimistic and turned out for the exercise in spite of the early morning rain.
Obasa described the turnout as encouraging, noting that many party members defied the weather conditions to participate peacefully in the process.
She said the rainfall was widely seen by residents as a sign of blessings and good fortune, reflecting the hopeful mood that characterised the exercise.
“In Yoruba culture, rainfall symbolises prosperity and favourable outcomes,” Obasa said.
Mrs Funmi Ojo, an APC member, told NAN that the turnout was massive with rain falling across parts of the area, adding that more people were still expected to arrive.
She expressed confidence that the exercise would be successful.
APC members from various wards gathered at Shepherdhill Secondary School, Obanikoro, venue of the exercise, with early morning rain affecting parts of the district.
Many party faithful stood under umbrellas and makeshift sheds while waiting patiently to cast their votes.
Some members who spoke with NAN said the rain did not discourage them from participating in the democratic process and supporting the incumbent senator, Mr Adetokunbo Abiru.
A party member from Ward A, Mrs Olayinka Balogun, described the turnout as a reflection of the commitment and loyalty of APC members in the district.
According to her, party members are determined to ensure continued representation and support for the senator ahead of forthcoming elections.
“We came out because this election is important to us. Rain cannot stop us from performing our civic responsibility as party members,” she said.
NAN reports that security operatives were deployed to maintain order and prevent any breakdown of law and order during the exercise.
The process was generally peaceful as accreditation and voting progressed simultaneously across the district.
Party officials expressed optimism that the large turnout would strengthen unity within the party ahead of the general elections.
NAN