Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed happiness that the local government election conducted in the state on Saturday was peaceful, saying it was meant to democratize the government at that grassroots level.
Addressing newsmen yesterday after casting his vote at his okelele unit 003, ward 06 Ikogosi Ekiti, Ekiti West local government area of the state said local government elections can get better, as the most critical arm of government in respect of delivering government policy at the grassroots level.
He said, “The people on their own will have the opportunity to choose their representatives at the local government level, the turnout is a bit low, that tells me that we need to do more on voter education and sensitization.”
The Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye while voting at unit 003, Atiba/Aafin Ward, in Ikere Ekiti, said the election was a tremendous improvement on the 2021 governorship poll.
“The election has so far been peaceful and violence-free. We are witnessing a remarkable improvement in our local government election.”
The election was a huge success as it was conducted under a peaceful atmosphere, without any form of violence or breach of peace recorded in any part of the state.
The exercise was, however, characterized by low turnout of voters in most local government areas, wards and polling units visited by our correspondent.
It was observed in the ballot paper sighted in one of the polling units visited that eight political parties were registered for the chairmanship positions and 14 parties for the councillors positions.
Also commenting, the Chairman Ajoni LCDA, Prince Michael Ogungbemi who is seeking reelection commended Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) for conducting what he called a perfect election.
Ogungbemi who cast his vote in unit 002, ward 12 Iyemero said, “The election materials and SIEC officials arrive at the polling booths as early as 7 am. The security atmosphere is very peaceful and the voters have been very orderly.”
