I’m Thrilled by Massive Voter Turnout, Deputy Gov Hails Poll, Confident of Victory …salutes INEC, security agencies over peaceful, impartial conduct

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor and Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has commended voters for their high level of patriotism and massive turnout during Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

Mrs Afuye also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for what she described as their impartial and professional conduct, which contributed to the peaceful atmosphere recorded across the state during the poll.

She spoke after casting her vote at Atiba/Aafin Ward 1, Polling Unit 003, Ikere Ekiti, at about 8:50 a.m. during the election held to choose a governor who will steer the affairs of the state till 2030.

The Deputy Governor, who is the running mate to the APC governorship candidate and incumbent Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, expressed satisfaction with the early and enthusiastic turnout of voters, describing it as evidence of a deepening democratic culture in the country.

Mrs Afuye urged political actors to abide strictly by INEC guidelines and electoral rules, saying this was necessary to sustain the peaceful conduct of the election from voting through collation.

“You can see how people trooped out in large numbers to participate in this election. Not only did they come out, they were eager to exercise their franchise. I am indeed impressed with the conduct of our voters,” she said.

“I am not limiting my observation to Ikere alone; we are receiving reports from across local governments about similar high turnout. This shows that our campaigns were well received and have yielded positive results.

“I also want to commend INEC and our security agencies. They prepared adequately for this election. There is no intimidation anywhere, and if we continue this way, this could become one of the best elections in Ekiti State,” she added.

Reacting to expectations from the poll, Mrs Afuye expressed confidence that Governor Oyebanji would emerge victorious, noting that his performance in office had earned him wide public acceptance.

“Governor Oyebanji is not only going to win this election; he will win with a wide margin,” she said.