Ekiti 2026: Small scale businesses boom around polling units

Small scale business owners around some polling units in Ekiti West Local Government Area have continued to experience brisk sales as the Ekiti State governorship election progressed.

It has provided a boost to the businesses as traders record increased patronage from voters, election officials and observers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that several residents took advantage of the large turnout of voters to engage in brisk business activities around polling centres and major roads within the council area.

Vendors selling sachet water, bottled water, soft drinks, biscuits, and other snacks were seen moving around polling units and residential areas, attending to customers waiting to cast their votes.

Some shop owners and food vendors also opened their stores and eateries to cater to voters and visitors who travelled into the communities for the election, in spite of the restrictions on vehicular movement across the state.

At Aramoko-Ekiti, NAN observed that many residents purchased refreshments and food items while waiting for accreditation and voting, creating increased commercial activity in the area.

Similarly at Ido-Ile EKiti and Ipole-Iloro-Ekiti, it was observed that many market owners opened their businesses.

In the same vein, at Erijiyan-EKiti and Ikogosi-Ekiti, the country home of the incumbent governor, shops were opened for the voters to buy food and drinks.

One of the traders, Aina Jegede, who sold cold drinks and snacks near a polling unit, said the election had positively impacted her sales.

Jegede said: “I have made good sales today because many people came into the community for the election. 

“Unlike normal days, there are more people moving around and buying drinks and snacks.”

Jegede hoped that the increased patronage would continue throughout the day as voting progressed.

Other traders also described the election period as an opportunity to generate additional income from the influx of people into their communities.