#EkitiDecides2026: Fayemi, Arise speak on voting process

Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has lauded the conduct of the state's governorship election, characterizing the accreditation and voting procedures as seamless. Fayemi cast his vote at his polling unit in Isan-Ekiti and expressed satisfaction with the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) efficiency.

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It was a smooth experience and everything went reasonably well. The accreditation process was fast and seamless, and I could see that it was the same for my wife.

"It was a smooth experience and everything went reasonably well," Fayemi told reporters. He specifically praised the speed of the accreditation process, noting that it was efficient for himself and his wife. Fayemi commended the INEC team, acknowledging that such smooth operations are not always guaranteed. He added that despite an "unfortunate incident" the previous night, which he stated was unrelated to politics, the election process itself was well-ordered.

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So, at least on the technical side, it would appear to have been a process that was seamless.

Similarly, Ayo Arise, a former senator representing Ekiti North Senatorial District, shared his optimism for the ruling All Progressives Congress's victory. Speaking after voting in Oye-Ekiti, Arise described the election as peaceful, smooth, and efficient. However, he observed that the turnout at his polling unit appeared lower than expected. Arise suggested that voters leaving polling centers immediately after casting their ballots might make it difficult to accurately gauge the overall turnout. "The turnout I witnessed was around average, not too poor, but certainly not exceptionally high," he commented.

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In spite of the unfortunate incident that we experienced here last night, which had nothing to do with politics, the process has been well ordered.