By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State local government election was held under a peaceful atmosphere in the 16 councils of the State on Saturday.

Though the exercise was characterised by late arrival of election materials in some polling units, residents, however, came out to elect their chairmen and councillors across the 16 local government areas of the State.

Prospective voters came out as early as 8:am for accreditation and subsequent voting for candidates of their choice in the 193 wards of the State.

In a chat with journalists on the conduct of the election, the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC) Supervising Officer for Danialu Collation and Distribution Centre, Akanbi Ward 3, in Ilọrin South local government area, Basambo Oladimeji said the late arrival of election materials was as a result of certain logistic issues, including insufficient buses to distribute the items to polling units in some areas of Ilorin, the state capital.

He expressed confidence that once the materials and officials reached their polling units they would make up for the time lost.

Oladimeji explained that each of the 51 polling units under his control has a total of 250 voters, adding that all accredited voters would be allowed to vote before the close of voting time.

The supervising officer advised voters to observe the rules and regulations guiding the conduct of a peaceful, free, fair, and credible election.

In his reaction, former education Councilor for Ilorin South local government area of Kwara State, Barrister Adeleye Smith, expressed concern over late arrival of election officials and materials.

He appealed to the electoral umpire to ensure adequate preparation in subsequent elections to remove suspicion from the minds of the electorate.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and his deputy, Kayode Alabi, cast their votes at their Idigba polling unit 004, Ilorin West Local Government Area, and ECWA Primary School, Oro-Ago polling unit 001, Ifelodun Local Government Area respectfully.