Small traders around polling units in Ede and neighbouring communities in Osun State recorded increased sales on Saturday as voters turned out for the governorship election.
The traders told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews that the large turnout of voters and other residents boosted demand for food, drinks, bottled water and cash withdrawal services.
A bean cake and bread seller, Mrs Toyin Aina, said she made more money between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. than she normally earns in a week.
Aina said voters and essential election workers patronised her business while carrying out their responsibilities at various polling units.
Another trader, Ms Kudirat Adeleke, said she moved from one polling unit to another selling carbonated drinks and bottled water. She said she had already reached her sales target and planned to rest after recording good sales.
A Point-of-Sale (POS) operator, Mr Abdullateef Adebayo, also reported strong patronage, saying he provided cash withdrawal services to voters and other residents.
Adebayo said not many POS operators came out to work during the election, giving those who did an opportunity to serve more customers.
Food vendor Mrs Bukola Olaoye also expressed satisfaction with the patronage and called for a peaceful conclusion to the election.
Some voters welcomed the presence of traders around polling units, saying they could buy food and drinks while waiting to cast their ballots.
The election was held across the 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, with varying levels of voter turnout reported across communities. NAN said voting started early in some polling units, while delays occurred in some areas.
Voting was still ongoing in some locations when the report was filed.
