Ekiti Decides: Oyebanji casts vote, urges patience as technical issues disrupt voting

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has called on residents of the state to remain calm and patient following reports of technical challenges that disrupted voter accreditation and delayed voting in some polling units during Saturday’s governorship election.

The governor made the appeal shortly after casting his ballot at Polling Unit 003, Oyebanji’s Compound, Registration Area 06, in Ekiti West Local Government Area.

Reports from different parts of the state indicated that some voters encountered difficulties during the accreditation process, as biometric devices reportedly failed to capture certain individuals, resulting in delays in the commencement of voting in affected areas.

Reacting to the development, Oyebanji expressed confidence that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, would resolve the issues and ensure that no eligible voter was disenfranchised.

He urged residents to remain orderly and trust the electoral body to address the situation promptly.

“I want to appeal to our people to be patient, because everyone will vote. I have received assurances from INEC that all those who came out will be allowed to vote,” he said.

The governor’s remarks followed growing concerns among voters in affected areas over delays caused by the technical glitches, which slowed down the voting process in several locations.

Oyebanji said he had been briefed on the situation and was encouraged by assurances from electoral officials that efforts were underway to rectify the malfunction and ensure that all eligible voters who turned out were able to exercise their franchise.