The Ekiti State Deputy Governor and deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has commended voters, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and security agencies for what she described as a highly peaceful Ekiti election conduct during the June 20 governorship poll. She said the process demonstrated growing public trust in democratic participation and electoral institutions across the state.
The Ekiti governorship election was held on Saturday, June 20, to elect a governor who will lead the state until 2030. The poll featured active participation across various local government areas, with voters turning out early to cast their ballots. The exercise was closely monitored by electoral officials and security agencies, with stakeholders assessing the process as a test of Nigeria’s ongoing democratic consolidation.
Mrs Afuye spoke shortly after casting her vote at Atiba/Aafin Ward 1, polling unit 003 in Ikere Ekiti at about 8:50 a.m. She praised the large voter turnout, describing it as evidence of political awareness and civic responsibility among residents.
She said: “You can see for yourselves how people trooped out to participate in this election. Not only trooping out but being ready and anxious to participate in the voting. I am indeed impressed with this conduct of our voters.”
She also commended INEC and security agencies for ensuring a peaceful process, noting that the absence of intimidation contributed positively to the Ekiti election conduct. According to her, feedback from other parts of the state indicated similar high voter turnout and orderly participation across communities.
“I am not using Ikere as the only area of focus now; we are getting the same information from some of our local governments and towns about how our voters are coming out in large numbers. I am happy about this,” she said.
Mrs Afuye added that effective campaign activities contributed to strong voter engagement, describing the process as a reflection of an evolving democratic culture.
She further stated: “I have to commend the INEC as well and our security agencies. They really prepared for this election. You can see that nobody is being intimidated, and I believe if we continue like this, this election may turn out being the best in Ekiti history.” The deputy governor also expressed confidence in the electoral outcome, praising Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s performance in office and suggesting that he would secure a decisive victory.
Observers say the positive assessment of the Ekiti election conduct underscores improvements in electoral organisation, security coordination, and voter participation in the state. The peaceful atmosphere reported across polling units also reflects increased institutional preparedness and public engagement in the electoral process.
However, final validation of the election’s credibility and outcome will depend on official results and post-election assessments by relevant electoral bodies and monitoring groups.
As collation continues, stakeholders are urging political actors to maintain peace and respect electoral procedures. The Independent National Electoral Commission is expected to complete result collation in line with established guidelines, while security agencies remain on alert to ensure continued stability throughout the post-election process.
