By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Ekiti State election, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede, on Saturday expressed concern over what he described as the slow pace of voting at his polling unit in Ikere-Ekiti.
Voting had commenced in several polling units across the town, including Ward 3, Unit 6, where the PDP candidate cast his vote.
Speaking with journalists shortly after voting, Oluyede said the electoral process was moving too slowly and could discourage voter participation if not promptly addressed.
According to him, despite the large number of voters waiting patiently at the polling centre, only a few people had been accredited and allowed to vote.
“The process is too slow. People have been here for more than an hour, and only a handful of voters have been able to cast their votes. This is not what we expected,” he said.
The PDP flag bearer urged officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to identify and resolve any challenges responsible for the delay in order to ensure a smooth electoral process.
While expressing dissatisfaction with the pace of voting, Oluyede said he remained confident that his supporters would conduct themselves peacefully and lawfully throughout the election.
He stressed the need for all stakeholders to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.
The PDP candidate also alleged the presence of an unusually large number of security personnel around the polling area of the state’s Deputy Governor, a situation he claimed could raise concerns among voters.
According to him, several security vehicles were deployed in the area, adding that he had documented the development and would present evidence at the appropriate time.
Despite the concerns raised, Oluyede called on residents to remain peaceful and continue participating in the election, describing the exercise as critical to the sustenance of democracy and good governance in Ekiti State.
As of the time of filing this report, neither INEC nor the security agencies had officially responded to the allegations made by the PDP governorship candidate.
