Twelve State Governors Storm Ekiti as Residents Head to Polls for Gubernatorial Election

Ekiti State witnessed a heavy political presence on Saturday as no fewer than twelve state governors arrived across the state as voting commenced in the governorship election.

The high-profile presence has added significant political weight to the election day atmosphere, with top political figures converging on the state capital and various local government areas to monitor the conduct of the poll, show party solidarity, and observe the electoral process.

Those present include the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi; Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto; Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo; Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas; and Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Others are Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori; Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum; Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq; Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo; and Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani.

Also present in the state is the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Hon. Ibrahim Masari, who joined other political stakeholders in observing the electoral process.

Ekiti State governorship election today (Saturday) takes central stage as 1,028,929 eligible voters file out across the 16 local government areas to choose who governs the state for another four years.

The poll, which is expected to take place in all 2,445 polling units across the 16 local government areas, is widely seen as a major test of strength among the leading political parties, particularly the ruling All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress.

Although 14 candidates are on the ballot, the contest is largely viewed as a battle among Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Wole Oluyede and African Democratic Congress flag bearer, Ambassador Dare Bejide.

Other parties participating in the election include the Accord Party, African Action Congress, Action Democratic Party, Action People’s Party, Allied People’s Movement, Labour Party, New Nigeria People’s Party, People’s Redemption Party, Social Democratic Party, Young Progressive Party and Zenith Labour Party.