Voting has ended in the ongoing Ekiti State Governorship Election, with foreign observer group, Nouvelle Perspective, expressing satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise across the state.
The observer group, which deployed ad-hoc staff to all the 16 local government areas of the state, described the process as peaceful and orderly, noting that a high turnout of voters was recorded in many polling units monitored by its team.
Nouvelle Perspective attributed the impressive turnout to the appreciable presence of security personnel across the state, saying their deployment provided the electorate with the confidence needed to come out in large numbers and exercise their franchise without fear.
Speaking on the exercise, the National Coordinator of Nouvelle Perspective, Hon. Jim Okolo, commended voters, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring a smooth voting process.
According to him, "From our observations across the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State, there was a remarkable turnout of voters and a commendable level of orderliness. The visible presence of security personnel gave confidence to citizens to come out and participate in the democratic process."
Hon. Okolo further stated that the Ekiti Governorship Election would serve as a litmus test for the general elections scheduled for early next year.
"The Ekiti Governorship Election is a litmus test for the general elections coming up early next year. The lessons learnt here and the level of preparedness demonstrated by stakeholders will be crucial in shaping expectations for the nationwide exercise," he said.
He added that the group would continue to monitor the collation process and would issue a comprehensive report on its findings at the conclusion of the election.
Results collation is expected to start soon at the collation centre at Ekiti INEC headquarters. The presidimg officers of the polling units already sending in result amidst tight securities.
Other members of Nouvelle Perspective who monitored the elections are Alex Nwankwo, the electoral Correspondent, Comrade Loyce Ogueri, Dr. Odo Joseph, Eno Brown, other's.
They didn't observe distribution of 15k-20k to voters? Our politicians have weaponized poverty. The turnout was as result of money being shared, not that people are pleased with the process or happy with what is happening in the country presently.
michelz: The same people who criticized ESN and called Kanu unprintable names for ESN will start stuttering in support of this Iru Ekun. If they tell you that those guys from the East are like several million years more enlightened and advanced than you, you'd start stuttering again and shaking convulsively.
They are not fighting the same course. Any security outfit that is ready to fight this dreaded bandits irrespective of region should be encouraged.
insidelife22: This man should go and sort out his family and his life we have bigger problems a teacher was beheaded that day in oyo state . We should talk about that I beg. You should be able to hold this government accountable what kind of nonsense government is this.
This is one of the reasons why Nigeria lost. How do you think bet house will allow you to win them like that. Forget it! They will cast spells on them.