By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The stage is set for the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled to hold tomorrow, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and eligible voters conclude preparations for what stakeholders hope will be a peaceful, credible and hitch-free exercise.
A visit by Nigerian Monitor to various parts of the state on the eve of the election showed that electoral materials had been substantially deployed to local government areas, registration area centres and other designated locations across the state.
Officials of INEC were seen making final logistical arrangements, while sensitive and non-sensitive materials were being transported under tight security to ensure timely commencement of voting across the 16 local government areas of the state.
Nigerian Monitor observed that the atmosphere in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, remained calm and peaceful, with residents going about their normal activities without any sign of tension or apprehension.
Similar reports were received from major towns across the state, including Ikere-Ekiti, Ijero-Ekiti, Ikole-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti, Aramoko-Ekiti and Ilawe-Ekiti, where political activities had largely subsided ahead of the commencement of voting.
Security agencies, particularly the police, have also intensified their presence across strategic locations in the state.
Patrol vehicles and security personnel were sighted at major roads, public institutions, government facilities and other critical points as part of measures to guarantee the safety of voters and election officials.
The Ekiti State Police Command had earlier assured residents of adequate security before, during and after the election, warning troublemakers and political thugs to stay away from polling centres.
Many residents who spoke with Nigerian Monitor expressed optimism that the election would be peaceful and transparent, urging political parties and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the exercise.
Observers and civil society groups have also arrived in the state to monitor the election, while political parties are expected to deploy agents to polling units across the state.
With logistics largely in place, security agencies on alert and voters expressing readiness to participate in the democratic process, expectations are high that the Ekiti governorship election will further strengthen the state’s reputation for peaceful and credible electoral contests.
All eyes will be on the state tomorrow as eligible voters troop out to elect the candidate who will govern Ekiti State for the next four years.
