Voters in Ado-Ekiti await INEC officials; party observers monitor polling units

Voters at several polling units in Ado‑Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, are still waiting for officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to arrive.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that accreditation and voting were scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. in accordance with the Electoral Act.

During a visit to the Ado‑Ekiti metropolis, observers noted that at Ward 7, polling units 2, 3 and 4 in Oke Ila, voters were still waiting for INEC officials and party agents at 9:00 a.m.

Similarly, at Ward 6, polling units 4, 5, 6 and 7 in Oke‑Iyinmi, voters were also waiting for the arrival of INEC personnel and party agents.

In Ward 8, polling units 2, 3, 4 and 5 in Dalimore, voters were seen in large numbers awaiting the electoral officials.

Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps were present to maintain order.

The situation differed at Ikogosi‑Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government Area, where an impressive turnout and early accreditation were recorded at the polling units visited.

At Polling Unit 003, Ward 6, Ikogosi‑Ekiti, INEC officials began accreditation and voting as early as 8:10 a.m.

Party agents from the All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party and other parties, along with accredited observers, were seen monitoring the exercise.

Security personnel, including police, NSCDC and other paramilitary agencies, were deployed to polling units and strategic locations across the council area as early as 7:00 a.m. Vehicular movement was largely restricted in line with the election security arrangements.

NAN also observed that INEC officials arrived early at most polling units visited in Ikogosi‑Ekiti and adjoining communities, and that sensitive and non‑sensitive materials were delivered on schedule.

Some voters who spoke with NAN praised the timely arrival of INEC officials and the orderly conduct of the exercise, expressing optimism that the election would be peaceful and credible.

Elderly voters and people with disabilities were also present at the polling stations.

Voting commenced exactly at 8:00 a.m. at Okelele Ward 6, Unit 003, in Ikogosi‑Ekiti. (NAN)