#EkitiDecides: Technical glitches mar governorship election as Oyebanjo urges calm

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has appealed to voters across the state to remain calm and patient following reports of technical glitches that disrupted accreditation and voting in some polling units during Saturday’s governorship election.

The governor gave the assurance shortly after casting his vote at Polling Unit 003, Oyebanji’s Compound, Registration Area 06, in Ekiti West Local Government Area.

Reports from parts of the state indicated that some voters experienced difficulties during the accreditation process, with biometric devices reportedly failing to capture certain voters, leading to delays in the commencement of voting in affected areas.

Reacting to the situation, Oyebanji expressed confidence that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would resolve the challenges and ensure that no eligible voter was disenfranchised.

“I want to appeal to our people to be patient, because everyone will vote. I have received assurances from INEC that all those who came out will be allowed to vote,” he said.

The governor’s intervention came amid concerns among voters over delays caused by the technical issues, which affected the smooth conduct of the electoral process in some locations.

Oyebanji said he had been briefed on the challenges and was encouraged by assurances from electoral officials that measures were being taken to address the glitches and facilitate voting for all eligible citizens who turned out for the exercise.

The governorship election is being closely watched as residents of the state head to the polls to choose their next leader, with election officials, security agencies and political stakeholders expressing confidence in the overall conduct of the process.

INEC is expected to continue monitoring the situation across polling units to ensure that voting proceeds smoothly and that all accredited voters are given the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights.