After months of politicking and campaigns, the much-anticipated Ekiti governorship election is here.
Today, the people of Ekiti are heading to the polls to decide who will succeed Governor Ayodele Fayose as their leader.
With over 30 candidates in the race, the campaigns have been both intriguing and controversial.
Many, however, consider the poll to be a two-horse race between the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
More so because Ekiti is the only state in the South-West that is under the PDP and the APC will be looking to strengthen its grip in the region, having seized control of Ondo State in 2016.
Also, Governor Fayose is one of the most vocal critics of the APC and a major figure in the PDP. Beyond that, he had denied the APC candidate Kayode Fayemi a second term in 2014.
The governor, who is supporting his deputy Professor Kolapo Olusola, to succeed him, repeatedly accused the Federal Government and security agencies of intimidating voters.
Beyond the controversies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, says it is fully prepared to hold a free and fair election in the state.
Meanwhile, over 30,000 policemen were deployed to the state along with hundreds of security personnel from other agencies.
Stay with us for live updates from the poll.
7:00 am – Materials arrived in Isan -Ekiti (Ekiti North Senatorial District)
8:00 am – Accreditation and voting commenced.
8:30 am – Residents turn out in huge numbers amid heavy security presence.
Voters including the elderly, pregnant women, nursing mothers, youths among others were queuing up at the polls, ready to exercise their civic.
So far no issues with the card readers at most of the polling units.
9:24 am – In Afao town of Ado Ekiti (the incumbent Governor’s hometown) security roadblocks were seen at intervals. Also, most polling units along the road had lots of people on the queue.
9:54 am – Police arrest those allegedly sharing money for votes at Ajilosun area of Ado Ekiti in front of Jonathan Memorial School.
10:09 am – The 112 year-old aunt of the APC governorship candidate, Comfort Bodunde, also came out to cast her vote.
10:16 am – APC governorship candidate, kayode Fayemi, arrives polling unit with his wife.
Read Also: Fayemi Votes, Reacts As Card Reader Rejects Wife’s PVC
He moves straight to join the queue after which he was asked by the presiding officer to go and vote.
His wife’s card could not be read and is still being looked into to rectify whatever is wrong.
10:30 am – PDP candidate, Olusola Eleka, tries to cast his vote but is delayed as the card reader malfunctions.
10: 35 am – The issue with the card reader is sorted and he is finally able to vote.
Read More: Kolapo Olusola Finally Votes After Card Reader Malfunction
13:11 pm – Incumbent governor, Ayodele Fayose, on his way to cast his vote.
14:00 pm – Fayose casts his vote.
14:30 pm – Voting ends in most Polling Units and sorting and collation of results has begun.
(CHANNELSTV)