It appears the Independent National Electoral Commission, the security agencies and the people of Ekiti State are ready for the governorship election on Saturday, June 21.
This was the impression Channels Television correspondent, Seun Okinbaloye, got in Ado Ekiti town on Friday morning.
According to him, the town had remained peaceful with people going about their daily activities without signs of fear or anxiety despite the presence of fully armed security operatives on the roads.
One of the electoral observers present in town ahead of the polls, Mr Festus Okoye, expressed same view. His fear, however, was about the way the security agents would conduct themselves on the day, having arrived in large numbers.
While acknowledging the civil disposition of the security agents so far, he also revealed that the electoral body had shown readiness for a credible election that would be devoid of the usual logistic problems. He revealed that all stakeholders – party agents, security agents – were allowed to witness the distribution of the election materials, including the ones for observers and they were all ready for Saturday.
One of the Ekiti residents, Mr Olanipekun Sunday, who spoke to Channels Television, thanked the Federal Government for the level of security provided and the presence of security agencies on the streets, as it gives the people a sense of safety.
He showed signs of readiness for the election and also expressed confidence in the electoral body, as he said that he was sure that they would be delivering a credible election on Saturday.
Ekiti people go into the election to choose their governor for the next four years.
The major contenders are the candidate of the All Progressives Congress and incumbent Governor, Kayode Fayemi; the People’s Democratic Party candidate and former Governor of the state, Ayo Fayose; and the Labour Party’s Opeyemi Bamidele, a member of the House of Representatives, who was a member of the APC until he fell out with Mr. Fayemi.
The Accord Party candidate, Kole Ajayi, is also looking to cause an upset to claim the coveted seat.
