Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has commended voters for their massive participation during Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
Oyebanji who spoke with newsmen shortly after casting his vote at Ward 006, unit 003, Oyebanji’s compound, Okelele Area of Ikogosi-Ekiti, described the large turnout as a demonstration of the people’s commitment to democracy and good governance.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise, noting that eligible voters trooped out early to participate in the electoral exercise in an orderly and peaceful manner.
According to him, the enthusiasm displayed by voters reflects the growing confidence of the electorate in the democratic system and their desire to shape the future of the state through the ballot.
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Oyebanji said reports reaching him from other parts of the state indicated that many polling units witnessed impressive voters participation, with citizens patiently waiting to exercise their civic responsibility.
He praised the electorate for conducting themselves peacefully throughout the process and urged them to maintain the same level of decorum until the conclusion of the election.
The governor also commended election officials for their efforts in ensuring a smooth voting process, adding that the peaceful atmosphere witnessed in many communities was encouraging.
Oyebanji expressed optimism that the outcome of the election would reflect the wishes of the people, urging all stakeholders to continue to uphold democratic values and respect the sanctity of the electoral process.
Meanwhile, the leader of the Senate, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, has described the country’s electoral system as evolving and improving.
Bamidele made the assertion on Saturday in Iyin-Ekiti after casting his voting at his Eyo-lori Ward 2, Unit 003 in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
He said that his observation and assessment of the Ekiti governorship election, being one of the elections after the amendment to the Electoral Act, indicated high compliance, not only by Independent National Electoral Commission but by political parties.
“This is one of the first major elections being conducted under the amended Electoral Act. There is no doubt that our electoral system is evolving and improving.
“I have observed a high level of compliance. Today, people are more aware of what constitutes electoral offences and the consequences such violations carry for both political parties and individuals.
“That growing awareness is a positive development for our democracy,” he said.
Bamidele stated that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will achieve the 500,000 voting benchmark and come out victorious, adding that the election would re-write the history of the state positively.
“Based on the reports I have received regarding voter turnout this morning, I remain confident that our party will achieve its target of securing a minimum of 500,000 votes.
“The level of enthusiasm surrounding this election is remarkable. People are coming out in large numbers, eager to participate in the democratic process.
Asked whether there would be further amendments to the Electoral Act, Bamidele foreclosed the possibility of immediate any ammendment, saying such would be after comprehensive review of the various elections taking place.
“As for possible gaps in the process, I believe that it is something that can only be properly assessed after the election.
“We must consider not only the outcome in Ekiti but also the conduct of the various by-elections taking place across the country today for National Assembly and State House of Assembly seats.
“Based on our collective understanding and assessment of today’s election, we will be able to determine whether the current Electoral Act is sufficient or whether additional improvements may be required,” he said.
NAN
