Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State on Tuesday urged voters not to make trouble as they wait behind to defend their votes after casting their ballots.
Fashola spoke at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Somolu area of the state
He emphasised that there was no law prohibiting the electorate from staying behind at the polling units after voting.
“Some people have said that you should not stay near the polling units after voting; that is untrue.
“Let me tell you something, election is governed by law; I am saying this because I am not just a lawyer but a leader in the legal profession.
“There is nothing in the electoral law that stops you or prohibits you from staying at the polling units to defend your votes.
“Stay close, but don’t make trouble; that is what the law says,” Fashola said.
According to the governor, ‘ordinary people’ who are not members of political parties have the right to watch happenings at the polling units.
“It is not only political parties that have interest in the votes,” he said.
He enlightened the electorate to wash their hands thoroughly before leaving their homes to vote, for the card readers to identify their thumbprints efficiently.
Fashola urged the electorate to vote wisely and choose the APC Presidential candidate, retired Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and the governorship candidate in the state, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, in the upcoming elections.
“Be part of the change, be part of the transformation and be part of the greater Lagos and Nigeria,” Fashola said.
Earlier, Ambode said that the general elections should not be about tribe or religion but about the future of the country.
“We want our freedom, we want our liberty and we should work towards a united Nigeria,” Ambode said.
He urged the electorate to use their votes, rather than violence, to support the APC in the general elections.
The candidate described violence as an aberration in democracy, advising voters to express themselves through the ballot papers rather than acts that could ruffle the system.
Ambode promised to create an employment trust fund that would allow youths have access to finance.
“Each division will be given N1 billion each year so that youths can go off the streets.
“Beyond that, I will develop all your talents and give you all the support you need,” he said.
Ambode assured the people that he would consolidate on the achievements of his predecessors saying that the state required an excellent administrator like him.