Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has appealed to voters across the state to remain patient despite technical challenges experienced 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, RA 06, in Ekiti West Local Government Area.
Reports from several polling units earlier in the day indicated that some voters encountered difficulties during accreditation due to glitches with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Addressing journalists after voting, Oyebanji said he had been assured by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that every eligible voter who turned out for the election would be allowed to cast a ballot.
“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,” the governor said.
Oyebanji noted that feedback reaching him from different parts of the state suggested that the electoral process was progressing peacefully despite the initial challenges.
According to him, reports indicated that voter turnout had been encouraging, with residents responding positively to calls to participate in the election.
“The report is positive and voting is going on smoothly,” he said. “The turnout is also very impressive. I am happy that people heeded my call for them to come out en masse to cast their votes.”
The governor, who voted alongside his wife, expressed confidence in the outcome of the election, saying he was optimistic of securing victory at the polls.
He stated that a renewed mandate from the electorate would enable him to continue implementing his administration’s development agenda and sustain ongoing projects aimed at improving the welfare of residents across the state.
The election is being closely monitored by stakeholders, with electoral officials working to address reported technical issues and ensure that voters are able to exercise their franchise without undue hindrance.
