By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Saturday commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for the smooth conduct of the ongoing governorship election in the state.
The Governor cast his vote at Polling Unit 003, Ward 6, Okelele Street, Ikogosi-Ekiti, his hometown, at about 11:30 a.m. after undergoing the mandatory accreditation and verification process.
Governor Oyebanji arrived at the polling unit at about 11:15 a.m. alongside his wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji. The couple completed the accreditation and voting process in less than 20 minutes, aided by the effective operation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machine at the unit.
Speaking with journalists shortly after voting, the Governor expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election and the impressive turnout of voters across the state.
According to him, reports reaching him from various parts of Ekiti indicated that the exercise was progressing peacefully and orderly.
“The report across the state has been positive. The election is going on smoothly, people are exercising their franchise, they are happy, and voter turnout is impressive. I am glad that people listened to the call to come out and exercise their democratic rights. So far, everything is going on well,” he said.
Governor Oyebanji noted that the peaceful atmosphere and active participation of voters reflected the commitment of Ekiti people to the democratic process.
While expressing confidence in the electoral process, the Governor appealed to voters to remain patient with INEC, acknowledging that minor operational challenges could arise during elections.
“I want to appeal to our people to be patient with INEC. In every process, there are bound to be minor glitches. INEC has assured me, and I believe them, that any challenges encountered will be attended to promptly,” he stated.
The Governor also praised security agencies for maintaining law and order across the state, noting that their professionalism had contributed significantly to the peaceful conduct of the election.
He expressed optimism that the state could achieve its target of recording 500,000 votes if registered voters continued to turn out in large numbers before the close of polling.
“If the process continues as peacefully as it is and everybody votes, we should be able to cross that line with what I am seeing today,” the Governor added.
As voting continued across the state, observers reported a generally peaceful atmosphere in most polling units, with voters queuing patiently to participate in the electoral process.
