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.

The ongoing by-election in Ondo South Senatorial District of Ondo State has been described as peaceful.

While expressing satisfaction with the level of voter turnout across the six local government areas of the district, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa stated that the process had been orderly.

The by-election is being held to fill the vacant seat left by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

The contest is taking place across Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa, Irele, Odigbo and Ileoluji/Okeigbo local council areas of the state.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after casting his vote at Unit 05, Ward 4, Obenla community, Ilaje Local Council Area, Aiyedatiwa stated that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Prof. Dayo Faduyile, had carried out extensive mobilisation efforts, contributing to the large turnout recorded.

According to him, structures of the party across the district would continue to drive voter engagement

He said: “We want to encourage everyone to come out and vote, Ondo State is safe and we have a peaceful election, God has been helping us, our security agencies are up and Doing, Ondo State is one of the safest and peaceful state in Nigeria.

“So, We expect turnout of our people, even though it is a by-election. A lot of work has been done by our candidate, Professor Dayo Faduyile, and the environment is still very active politically after the primary election. “

Ekiti North senator, Cyril Fasuyion, on Saturday expressed optimism about the outcome of the ongoing governorship election in Ekiti State, declaring that Governor Biodun Oyebanji is certain to win the poll.

Speaking with journalists shortly after arriving at his polling unit, Isape Ward 1, Unit 16, Ido-Ekiti, Fasuyi said he joined other voters on the queue in adherence to electoral guidelines, insisting that no individual should be given preferential treatment during the voting process.

The senator described the atmosphere at the polling unit as peaceful and orderly, expressing satisfaction with the conduct of voters and election officials at the early stage of the exercise.

Fasuyi expressed confidence that the incumbent, Oyebanji, would secure another term in office.

“I came in around 8:30am and I am on the queue like every other person. I don’t want to come here and just shun the queue. When it is my turn, I will do my accreditation and vote. It is very peaceful, as you can see.

“This is still early in the morning, so you cannot determine what will happen. We still have up to 3 or 4 o’clock. But from what we are seeing here, I don’t think the turnout is very poor. More people will still come out to vote

“We have done that and it ended on Thursday. We can’t do that again. We have worked hard, we have prayed and now we are waiting to see the result of what we have done in the last three or four months.

“I am sure that my candidate, Governor Oyebanji, will still win the election by the grace of God today.

“If we get to the 500,000 votes, glory be to God. If we don’t get it, as long as there is victory for my candidate, then glory be to God because we cannot force people to vote,” he said.