Funmilayo Afuye, the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State and deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has praised the voter turnout in the ongoing governorship election, describing it as encouraging. She expressed optimism about her party's victory and commended voters for their patriotism and orderliness.
Afuye spoke after casting her vote at Atiba/Aafin Ward 1, polling unit 003, in Ikere-Ekiti, Ikere Local Government Area, at approximately 8:50 a.m. She lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for their impartiality and professionalism during the election.
Massive Turnout Reflects Maturing Democracy
According to Afuye, the massive voter turnout indicates that Nigeria's democracy is maturing and developing. She noted that voters not only turned out in large numbers but were also eager to participate in the voting process. “You can see for yourselves how people trooped out to participate in this election. Not only trooping out, but being ready and anxious to participate in the voting. I am indeed impressed with this conduct of our voters,” she said.
She emphasized that the high turnout was not limited to Ikere, as similar reports were received from other local governments and towns. “I am not using Ikere as the only area of focus now; we are also getting the same information from some of our local governments and towns that voters are coming out in large numbers. I am happy about this. This shows that the rigorous campaigns that we did yielded positive results,” Afuye added.
Praise for INEC and Security Agencies
The deputy governor commended INEC and security agencies for their preparedness and conduct during the election. “I have to commend the INEC as well as our security agencies. They really prepared for this election. You can see that nobody is being intimidated, and I believe if we continue like this, this election may turn out being the best in Ekiti history,” she said.
Confidence in Governor Oyebanji's Re-election
Afuye expressed confidence that Governor Biodun Oyebanji would emerge victorious and be re-elected for another term. She highlighted Oyebanji's performance, stating that he has served Ekiti diligently. “Governor Oyebanji has served Ekiti with every fibre in his body and is widely adjudged to have performed excellently well. He is not only winning this election, it is going to be with a wide margin,” she added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported these remarks, underscoring the deputy governor's optimism about the election outcome.
