Ekiti guber election: APC, PDP, ADC clash in tight battle across 16 LGAs

The governorship election in Ekiti State has kicked off with the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) expressing strong confidence of victory as voters head to the polls across the state’s 16 local government areas.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has deployed election materials and personnel across polling units, while security agencies have assured residents of adequate protection before, during, and after the exercise.

The APC said it was targeting a sweeping victory across all 16 LGAs, 177 wards, and over 2,400 polling units, insisting it expects no serious challenge at the polls.

The PDP, however, maintained that it was well positioned to win in at least 10 local government areas, arguing that growing grassroots support would translate into victory at the end of the contest.

Also, the ADC expressed confidence in its chances, projecting strong performances in about 10 LGAs while accusing the ruling party of incumbency advantage and alleged vote-buying.

Across the state capital, Ado Ekiti, early reports indicated increased commercial activities and voter movement as residents prepared for the election day restrictions.

Many voters said they were hopeful of a peaceful and credible process, even as concerns were raised about voter mobilisation by political parties.

Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), deployed thousands of personnel to strategic locations.

The police warned against violence and electoral malpractice, stressing that offenders would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The NSCDC also confirmed deployment of about 5,500 personnel to protect critical infrastructure and support election security operations.

The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) and other civil society groups urged INEC to ensure neutrality and strict adherence to electoral guidelines, particularly in the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and result transmission processes.