Ekiti Poll: Bamidele Hails Voter Turnout, INEC Performance, Predicts APC Victory

By Pan Afric Reporters

Leader of the Senate, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, has commended the conduct of the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election, describing the turnout of voters and the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as encouraging signs of Nigeria’s growing democratic maturity.

Speaking with journalists shortly after casting his vote at his polling unit, 003, ward 13, on Saturday, Bamidele expressed satisfaction with reports received from across the state, noting that the election process had so far been peaceful, orderly, and largely compliant with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The Senate Leader said he was particularly impressed by the large number of voters who turned out to participate in the exercise and the prompt deployment of INEC officials and electoral materials to polling units.

“It is to the glory of God that we are witnessing this again today. It is a bit early to draw any final conclusion because voting is still ongoing, but so far, so good,” Bamidele said.

“I am impressed by the level of voter turnout. I made calls across the state to see how things were going in different local governments, and I am impressed with the reports I got. I am equally impressed by the promptness of INEC officials in getting to the various polling units with the necessary materials.”

According to him, the conduct of the election reflects a steady improvement in Nigeria’s electoral system and demonstrates the positive impact of recent reforms to the country’s electoral framework.

He noted that the election was among the first major electoral exercises being conducted under the amended Electoral Act and praised stakeholders for adhering to the rules governing the process.

“There is no doubt that our electoral system is progressing and improving. Under the new Electoral Act, I have seen a lot of compliance on the part of INEC, political parties, and the voters themselves. People are more aware of what constitutes an electoral offence and the implications for both individuals and political parties,” he stated.

He also expressed confidence in the electoral prospects of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the enthusiasm displayed by voters suggested that the ruling party was on course for a strong performance.

“With the voter turnout that I have heard about this morning, I remain very confident that our party will hit the target of a minimum of 500,000 votes margin. The people are excited about this election and they are coming out in large numbers,” he said.

The Senate Leader further described the election as one that could redefine political participation in Ekiti State, despite the challenges often associated with voter apathy.

“I want to believe that this is one election that will rewrite our political history as a state where a good percentage of registered voters will come out to vote regardless of the total number of registered voters,” he added.

On security arrangements, Bamidele commended security agencies for maintaining peace and order across the state, saying he had not received reports of any major disturbances or incidents capable of undermining the integrity of the exercise.

“I must commend the security agencies for the professionalism they have displayed so far. From the reports available to me, their deployment has been effective, and I have not received any major report of violence or security breaches,” he said.

The lawmaker also reflected on the future of Nigeria’s electoral reforms, stressing that lessons from the ongoing election would help lawmakers determine whether further amendments to the Electoral Act would be necessary after the conclusion of the 2027 general elections.

“The law is like a human being; it keeps growing. Based on our cumulative assessment of what happens today, we will be able to determine whether the Electoral Act needs further amendments. For now, however, we are not contemplating any amendment before the conclusion of the 2027 elections because doing so would be like changing the rules in the middle of a game,” he explained.

Bamidele urged voters, political parties, and their supporters to remain peaceful throughout the election and await the outcome of the democratic process, expressing optimism that the exercise would further strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.

The Ekiti State governorship election is being closely monitored and reported by journalists,  electoral observers, civil society organisations, political parties, and security agencies, with voting taking place across the state’s 16 local government areas.