Ekiti Decides: Voting begins at Oyebanji’s polling unit as residents turn out early

Residents of Ikogosi in Ekiti West Local Government Area turned out early on Saturday as voting commenced in the Ekiti State governorship election at the polling unit of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

At Ward 6, Polling Unit 003, located in front of the Oyebanji family compound in the Okelele area of Ikogosi, voters were seen checking their names on the electoral register before joining the queue to cast their ballots.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) arrived at the polling unit ahead of voting and briefed residents on the electoral process before accreditation and voting commenced at about 8:30 a.m.

The electoral officials assured voters that all necessary materials had been provided to ensure a smooth and hitch-free exercise.

One of the voters, Aduke, expressed optimism after confirming her registration.

“I have checked my name; it is on the register, and I am ready to vote. Hopefully, others will also come out to exercise their civic responsibility,” she said.

Meanwhile, in Oke Oriomi, Ado-Ekiti, residents also arrived at their respective polling units as early as 7 a.m. to verify their names on the voters’ register ahead of accreditation and voting.

A check PM News to several polling centres across the state showed voters trekking varying distances to participate in the election, while security personnel were deployed early to maintain law and order.

The heavy security presence and early arrival of electoral officials contributed to an orderly atmosphere as the governorship election got underway across the state.

Voting is expected to continue throughout the day across the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State, with the Independent National Electoral Commission overseeing the exercise amid tight security.