…. Confident of reaching 500,000 votes benchmark

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has expressed excitement about the impressive turnout of voters across the 16 local government areas of the State.

Oyebanji said going by field reports, the election has been largely peaceful and orderly without any hitches. He expressed satisfaction with the conduct of INEC and security agencies.

The governor, who voted at about 11:30 a.m. at Unit 3, Ward 6, Okelele, in Ekiti West Local Government Area, urged residents to remain patient with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“The reports across the state have been positive. The election is going on smoothly, people are exercising their franchise, they are happy, and the turnout is impressive. I am glad that people are listening to my call to come out and exercise their franchise.

“This is because there is a link between what is happening today and their future. So far, so good; everything has been going smoothly. However, I want to appeal to our people to be patient with INEC.

“You know that with all processes, there will be glitches. INEC has assured me, and I believe them, that all those glitches will be attended to. I therefore appeal to our people to remain calm. They have assured me that nobody will be disenfranchised,” he said.

Responding to allegations of intimidation raised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, the governor said the claims remained allegations until proven.

“He who alleges must prove. For now, it remains in the realm of allegation,” he stated.

Speaking on the 500,000-vote benchmark set by his party, Oyebanji expressed confidence that the target would be achieved.

“We are going to get that. We should. If the process works well and everybody votes, we should cross that mark,” he said.