By Adesakin Adefemi
Residents of Ikogosi in Ekiti West Local Government Area turned out in large numbers early Saturday as voting commenced in the Ekiti State governorship election, with Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s polling unit recording heavy voter presence.
At Ward 6, Polling Unit 003, located in front of the Oyebanji family compound at Okelele, voters were seen checking their names on the register and preparing to cast their ballots from the early hours.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission arrived at the polling unit and briefed the electorate on voting procedures before accreditation and voting began at about 8:30am. INEC officials assured voters that adequate materials had been provided for a smooth exercise.
One of the voters, Aduke, told journalists she had confirmed her name on the register and was ready to vote. “I have checked my name; it is on the register, and I am ready to vote. Hopefully, others will come out to do,” she said.
The early turnout was not limited to Ikogosi. Residents of Oke Oriomi in Ado-Ekiti also began arriving at their polling units from as early as 7am to verify their names on the voters’ register ahead of accreditation.
A visit to several polling centres across the state showed voters trekking varying distances to participate in the election. Many voters expressed determination to exercise their franchise despite the distance.
Security personnel were deployed early to polling units across the 16 local government areas to maintain order and ensure a peaceful exercise. Their presence was visible at major centres, including the governor’s polling unit.
The governorship contest is being fiercely battled by the APC, PDP and ADC across Ekiti’s 16 LGAs. Political observers said the early voter turnout could signal high interest in the outcome of the poll.
INEC officials at Oyebanji’s unit reiterated their commitment to a credible process, while voters continued to queue patiently. As voting progresses, attention has shifted to collation and the ability of security agencies to sustain order until results are declared.
