Ekiti elders seek peaceful, credible election

The Ekiti Council of Elders has called on all stakeholders to ensure peace in Ekiti State before, during and after Saturday’s governorship election.

The elders urged participants in the electoral process to ensure the conduct of a free, fair and credible exercise reflective of the will of the people.

The council, in a statement signed by its President, Prof Joseph Oluwasanmi; Secretary, Elder Niyi Ajibulu; and Public Relations Officer, Dr Bayo Orire, in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, congratulated the people of the state as they prepare to go to the polls on June 20 to elect a governor for the next four years.

The elders also congratulated the 15 governorship candidates and their running mates for participating in the contest and expressing their interest in leading the state.

They urged political parties, candidates and supporters to prioritise the interest of the state and uphold peace before, during and after the election.

The council stated, “We want development in the state; peace is a necessary condition for development. So, we advise the parties, candidates and supporters to eschew violence, conduct their activities peacefully and let peace reign in the state.

“The election is meant to bring development to the state and its people; we should not allow it to divide us. We salute the political class for the peaceful atmosphere in the course of the campaign and preparation for the election.

“We should not allow any breakdown of law and order before, during and after the election.”

The council urged residents of Ekiti State to come out in their numbers to perform their civic responsibility peacefully on June 20.

It stated, “We commend the Independent National Electoral Commission for the preparations made so far. We urge the electoral body to match words with action by ensuring the conduct of a credible, free, fair, transparent and acceptable election.”

The council also called on security agencies to ensure adequate security for lives and property before, during and after the election.