Voters await arrival of INEC officials in Ado-Ekiti; party observers at polling units

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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).

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that accreditation and voting are supposed to begin by 8.30 a.m. in line with the Electoral Act.

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

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At Ward 6, polling units 4, 5, 6, and 7 at Oke-Iyinmi, voters were also seen waiting for the officials of INEC and party agents to arrive as well.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The security personnel 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Voting commenced exactly 8 a.m. at Okelele Ward 6, Unit 003, in Ikogosi-Ekiti. (NAN)

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