Ekiti council election records low turnout

Low voter turnout marred the local council and councillorship election held, yesterday, across the 2,196 polling units of Ekiti State. In many of the polling units in Ado-Ekiti, Ikogosi-Ekiti, Ikere, IgbaraOdo and Gbonyin local councils, fewer number of electorates came out to cast their votes compared with the last general election.

It was learnt that voting started in some polling units around 9:30am as election officials arrived late.

Security agencies, such as the Nigerian Army, Police officers, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence (NSCDC), Peace Corps among others, were,however, on ground to provide adequate security.

The restriction of movement between 8:00am and 2.00pm announced by the state government and the police was largely effective as law enforcement agents barricaded major roads in Ado-Ekiti.

But at the popular Oja Oba, OjaIrona and OjaEnuOdi markets in Ado Ekiti, traders were seen doing their businesses unhindered while the commercial motorcyclists partially comply with the restriction order.

Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, and his deputy, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, commended the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) for bringing radical and remarkable improvement to the conduct of the election.

Oyebanji said council election is crucial as the most critical arm of government in respect of delivering government policy at the grassroots.

The governor, who said this after casting his vote at Okelele Ward 06 in IkogosiEkiti, expressed happiness that the election is holding to democratise the government at local level and bring dividends of democracy to the people.

Also, the Chairman, Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Prince Michael Ogungbemi, described the election as very impressive, giving kudos to SIEC because, to him, it conducted a near perfect election.