There was a low turnout at the local government elections conducted in Ekiti State yesterday.
Voters said the election was peaceful across the 2,195 polling units in the state. The elections started late in some areas like Ado, Ikere, Otun, Igbara Odo, Aramoko and Efon.
The restriction between 8am and 2pm announced by the state government and the police was largely ineffective. At the popular Oja Oba, Oja Irona and Oja Bisi markets in Ado Ekiti, traders were seen doing their businesses unhindered, and some shops and petrol stations in the capital city and other towns were also opened for business activities as the polls lasted.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Biodun Oyebanji, who voted at Oke Lele Ward 06 Unit 003 in Ikogosi Ekiti, Ekiti West LGA, commended the voters for coming out to exercise their rights and for their peaceful disposition.
“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 elections, and I want the electoral officers to do what is right and allow the votes of the electorate to count”.
Speaking while monitoring the polls, the Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), Toyin Lucas, said the low turnout of voters did not vitiate the outcome as long as the process remained peaceful and credible.
