Ekiti State yesterday recorded a very low turnout of voters just as the polls were largely adjudged violent-free across the 2,195 polling units in the state by the electorate.
Despite the early morning glitches in some areas like Ado, Ikere, Otun, Igbara Odo, Aramoko, Efon and others, which caused a delay in the commencement of the process, the elections later commenced with security agencies on guard to provide adequate security for the SIEC ad hoc staff and voters.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Biodun Oyebanji voted at Oke Lele ward 06 unit 003 in Ikogosi Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
According to him;
“Local government election is very critical to the survival of any democracy because it is the closest to the people. I commend my people for taking interest in this election and I want the electoral officers to do what is right and allow the votes of the electorate to count”.
While monitoring the polls, the Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), Hon. Toyin Lucas said the low turnout of voters did not vitiate the outcome as long as the process remains peaceful and credible.
He said:
“We have low turnout in the morning and you could all see that the process is improving. People are coming out gradually to vote. The process has been peaceful, without any rancor or crisis despite that six political parties are contesting these elections. The party agents are on the ground without molestation.
“The people that are moving around are those with genuine reasons. Some students are writing NECO examinations and those on essential duties as well as those who are going far away to cast their votes, are allowed to move freely despite the restriction.”
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