Ekiti Election: Fayemi praises INEC, decries burning of police station in hometown

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has strongly condemned the burning of a police station in Isan-Ekiti, describing the incident as disturbing and unrelated to the ongoing governorship election in the state.

Fayemi made the remarks on Saturday shortly after casting his ballot in the ongoing election across Ekiti State, where voters turned out in various polling units to elect a new governor under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“Incident Has No Electoral Link” — Fayemi

Speaking with journalists after voting alongside his wife, the former governor said the attack on the police facility should not be linked to the electoral process, stressing that such assumptions could inflame tensions unnecessarily.

He described the voting exercise as largely peaceful and well-organised, noting that the accreditation process at his polling unit was smooth and efficient compared to previous elections he had witnessed.

“From what I observed, everything has gone relatively well. Accreditation was quick and seamless, not just for me but for other voters as well. I must commend INEC officials for the level of preparation and coordination,” he said.

Fayemi added that the improved electoral logistics reflected lessons learned from past elections, especially in terms of technological deployment and voter management.

Praise for Orderly Conduct Amid Tension

Despite the reported arson incident in Isan-Ekiti, Fayemi commended residents for maintaining calm and showing restraint during the election period. He noted that voters in the community appeared determined to participate peacefully in the democratic process.

He, however, warned against speculation and political interpretations of the security incident, saying its timing could easily lead to misinformation and unnecessary political accusations.

“People must be careful not to draw conclusions that may not be accurate. The incident we experienced last night has nothing to do with politics, and we should avoid spreading narratives that could worsen tension,” he cautioned.

Call for Peaceful Participation

The former governor also emphasized the importance of unity and peaceful engagement throughout the electoral process, urging stakeholders, party supporters, and residents to allow the process to proceed without disruption.

According to him, Isan-Ekiti remains a closely-knit and historically peaceful community, and he expressed confidence that residents would continue to uphold that reputation despite isolated security concerns.

He further reflected on the political significance of the community, noting its historical relevance in the state’s leadership structure and democratic development.

Election Ongoing Across Ekiti

Voting continues across various local government areas in Ekiti State, with security agencies deployed to maintain order and prevent electoral violence.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission are also monitoring the process to ensure compliance with electoral guidelines.

Early reports from several polling units indicate a generally peaceful process, although isolated complaints and logistical concerns have been recorded in some areas.

The election outcome is expected to shape the political direction of the state for the next four years, with candidates and parties closely watching results as collation progresses.

As the process continues, stakeholders have repeatedly called for calm, urging citizens to prioritize peace over political rivalry and allow electoral institutions to conclude their duties without interference.