As political parties are wrapping up public campaigns on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, normal socio-economic activities have continued in the state.

The development came as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed the arrival, in the state capital, Akure, of the sensitive materials, which are currently in the custody of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

A total of 17 parties are fielding candidates, while INEC confirms that more than 1.7 million prospective voters registered for the election.

With four days to go, the Nigerian Tribune learnt the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been working round the clock to put in place dome logistics ahead of the election.

A party member, who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune on the condition of anonymity, explained that the APC candidate and the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, just returned from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the early hours of Monday to put in place some logistics.

The source said: “So many things had been left undone and his visit to Abuja might not be unconnected with the final campaign of the party holding this week. The governor returned this morning.

“The national leaders of the party are to arrive in the state during the week and some things needed to be put in a proper shape. We are expecting our governor back today (Monday).”

Meanwhile, the residents of the state have confirmed receiving food items from political parties in the state during campaign, as parties embarked on the distribution of food parcels to people during rallies.

The residents said the development is a new strategy employed by politicians to woo voters with the distribution being done through community leaders. The items include fertilizers, rice, gaari, beans, sugar, salt, groundnut oil, spaghetti and noodles

Some of residents, who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune,  described the distribution of food parcels during campaign as a disturbing trend, saying the politicians across political parties are targeting largely low-income households.

They said the development amounted to a gross distortion of democratic process, and slammed those behind the practice of dishing out food parcels to compromise prospective voters.

But APC publicity secretary in the party, Alex Kalejaye, denied that his party was involved in the distribution of foodstuffs to residents of the state.

Kalejaiye said the APC had no reason to campaign as the people are ready to reciprocate the efforts of the state government through the ballot.

“As I speak to you, we are moving from one LGA to another campaigning for votes because we are not taking the people for granted. We don’t induce voters; we are talking to them and trying to win their votes,” Kalejaiye said.