Ekiti LG election records low turnout of voters

Low turnout of voters characterised the elections into chairmanship and councillorship seats in the 16 local government areas of Ekiti on Saturday.

A NAN correspondent who monitored the election in Ikole local government area said the poll was conducted under peaceful atmosphere.

The accreditation of voters began as and when due in some polling units visited at Oke-Ijebu, Ijesa-Isu road, Bolorunduro, Isaba, Otunja and Asin.

Eligible voters were seen at various polling units waiting for officials of state electoral body to attend to them.

It was observed in some of these polling units such as polling Unit 014 at Ward 05, Ijesa-Isu road, that majority of the voters were women and young ladies.

Security operatives were present in all the election venues while streets and major roads in Ikole were deserted as vehicular movement was restricted.

Elections have been concluded in almost all the polling units visited at exactly 1: 30pm, while voting had not commenced at other polling units.

Mr Temitope Adeniyi, who claimed to be a chieftain of KOWA party in Ikole Ekiti, described the election as the most peaceful poll ever conducted in the area.

Adeniyi commended all the people that participated in the election for their commitment and belief in democratic government at the local level.

He also lauded effort of the present administration in the state for “making the conduct of the election a reality in spite of paucity of funds”.

Adeniyi attributed the low turnout of voters it to non-participation of some political parties in the election.

However, he said a reasonable number of electorate took part in the election, adding the boycott by some parties would not affect the outcome or credibility of the poll.