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Ekiti State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed confidence that he will secure more than 500,000 votes in Saturday’s governorship election.
Oyebanji spoke shortly after casting his ballot at Ward 06, Polling Unit 03, Okelele, Ikogosi-Ekiti, alongside his wife, Olayemi Oyebanji.
The governor said the high turnout recorded across the state reflected growing public awareness of the importance of governance and its impact on the future of Ekiti.
Responding to questions on whether the APC would achieve its target of at least 500,000 votes, Oyebanji said he remained optimistic, noting that the figure was attainable if the voting process proceeded smoothly and eligible voters turned out to cast their ballots.
“We should, if the processes work well, and everybody votes, we should cross that line. That’s what I’m saying here today. I have no idea about that.”
The APC had, during its campaign, set a target of winning the election with no fewer than 500,000 votes.
Commenting on the conduct of the poll, Oyebanji expressed satisfaction with the process so far but appealed to voters to remain patient with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He acknowledged that minor challenges were inevitable in any electoral exercise but said INEC had assured him that all issues would be addressed and that no voter would be disenfranchised.
The governor urged residents to cooperate with electoral officials and allow them the time needed to resolve any operational difficulties, stressing that everyone who turned out to vote would be given the opportunity to do so.
“With all processes, there will be glitches. INEC has assured me, and I believe them, that all those glitches will be attended to. So I appeal to our people to exercise patience.
“They (INEC) have told me that nobody will be disenfranchised, that everybody who has come out will vote. But our people also need to cooperate with INEC and encourage them and be patient,” he said.
