Voters at some of the polling units in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, are still awaiting the arrival of the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Accreditation and voting supposed to begin by 8.30 a.m. in line with the Electoral Act.

But a visit around Ado-Ekiti metropolis, specifically Ward 7, polling unit 2, 3, 4,  at Oke Ila, voters were seen waiting for INEC officials and party agents to arrive the place as at 9.a.m.

At Ward 6, polling unit 4, 5, 6, 7 at Oke-Iyinmi, voters were equally seen waiting for INEC officials and party agents to arrive.

Also at Ward 8, polling unit 2, 3, 4, 5, at Dalimore, voters were seen in their numbers awaiting the arrival of the electoral officials.

However, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps were present to maintain order.

The situation is different at Ikogosi-Ekiti in the Ekiti West Local Government Area, as impressive turnout and early accreditation of voting were recorded in the polling units visited.

At polling unit 003, Ward 6 IkogosiEkiti, the electoral officials commenced accreditation and voting as early as 8.10 a.m.

Party agents of the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party as well as other parties fielding candidates and accredited observers were equally sighted monitoring the exercise.

There was security presence and peaceful conduct of people at the polling units in  some of the polling units in the area.

The security operatives comprised of the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other paramilitary agencies were deployed to polling units and strategic locations across the council area as early as 7:00 a.m.

The operatives were seen at strategic locations and around polling units, while vehicular movement remained largely restricted in compliance with the election security arrangements.

It was also observed that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) arrived early at most polling units visited in Ikogosi-EKiti and adjoining communities, with sensitive and non-sensitive materials were delivered on schedule.

At polling unit 003, Ward 6 Ikogosi -Ekiti, the electoral officials commenced accreditation and voting as early as 8.10 a.m.

Party agents and accredited observers were equally sighted monitoring the exercise.

Some voters during who spoke during an interview commended the timely arrival of INEC officials and the orderly conduct of the exercise, expressing optimism that the election would be peaceful and credible.

There was also presence of elderly and people living with disabilities at the polling stations .

Voting commenced exactly 8.a.m. at Okelele ward 6 unit 003 in Ikogosi-Ekiti. 

(NAN)