Author: Gabby

The Zuru State Constituency by-election in Kebbi State started on Saturday with a noticeable lack of enthusiasm among voters. Reports from Zuru town indicate that many polling stations experienced minimal participation from the electorate.

This election was called to fill the seat left vacant after the passing of former Speaker Mohammed Usman Zuru, who died on April 6. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials were deployed to various polling units, but they faced a sluggish response from the public.

At Alhaji Budo Polling Unit in the Rafin Zuru community, electoral staff were observed waiting idly for voters to show up. Similarly, at Mango Waje Polling Unit in the Manga area, voting began around 9:14 a.m., but only a handful of people were in line at that time.

Across several polling units visited, the low turnout was a common theme. Residents appeared to be going about their regular routines, as shops, fuel stations, and other businesses remained open. Some INEC personnel had not yet arrived at their assigned polling units by 9:31 a.m., while others awaited further directives before proceeding to their posts.

On Saturday, a joint security operation involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the Amotekun Corps was observed at the polling unit where Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji was scheduled to vote. The simultaneous arrival of personnel from these three agencies indicated a well-coordinated security presence at the location.

Operatives were positioned both inside and around the polling area to ensure order, curb vote buying, and prevent any violent incidents that could disrupt the electoral process. The election, organized by the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC), is taking place across all 16 local government areas in the state, with voters selecting chairpersons and councilors for their respective councils.

Multiple political parties are contesting in this election, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Action Democratic Party (ADP), among others. Political analysts are closely monitoring the exercise, seeing it as a key measure of public opinion and political dynamics within the state.

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose performed his civic duty at Polling Unit 1, St. David Primary School in Afao-Ekiti, situated within Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, during the state’s governorship election.

In a brief chat with reporters after voting, Fayose voiced strong belief that Governor Biodun Oyebanji would emerge victorious, asserting that the incumbent had already secured the election. He pointed to the general atmosphere and public sentiment across Ekiti as evidence of widespread backing for Oyebanji.

“Oyebanji has already won the election,” Fayose stated emphatically. He elaborated, “Observing the current situation in the state and the disposition of the populace, I foresee a landslide victory for him.”

Voting activities proceeded smoothly at various polling stations, with security personnel and electoral officers present to oversee the process.

In a significant political development, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the former First Lady of Ondo State, has officially received the Labour Party (LP) ticket to represent Owerri Federal Constituency in the upcoming 2027 general elections. This milestone was marked by the presentation of her Certificate of Return, which she accepted with profound gratitude toward the party leadership for entrusting her with this responsibility.

Anyanwu-Akeredolu described her candidacy as a pivotal moment and a renewed commitment to public service. She emphasized that this opportunity carries the weight of addressing grassroots needs and fostering community development. Her focus, she stated, will be on amplifying the voices of constituents and turning their concerns into actionable legislative initiatives.

The LP flagbearer also clarified her previous exit from the Imo East senatorial race, describing it as a thoughtful decision reached after broad consultations with party members and stakeholders. She explained that this shift was aimed at promoting unity within the Labour Party and enhancing its prospects for the 2027 elections. She stressed the importance of internal cohesion, noting that collaboration among party members is fundamental to achieving electoral success and effective representation.

Anyanwu-Akeredolu affirmed that true leadership demands sacrifice and a focus on collective goals. She maintained that her current political path is a strategic one, tailored to better serve her constituency through dedicated legislative work. She dismissed any notion that contesting for the House of Representatives diminishes her political ambitions, instead asserting that it aligns more directly with the needs of the people.

Outlining her legislative agenda, she highlighted priorities such as youth empowerment, job creation, and expanding digital skills training programs. She expressed confidence that these initiatives will drive meaningful change and improve livelihoods across Owerri Federal Constituency.

Senator Cyril Fasuyi, representing Ekiti North, voiced strong confidence on Saturday regarding the outcome of the ongoing governorship election in Ekiti State. He firmly believes that Governor Biodun Oyebanji will emerge victorious.

After arriving at his polling unit located in Isape Ward 1, Unit 16, Ido-Ekiti, Fasuyi addressed journalists. He emphasized that he joined the queue like every other voter, following electoral regulations. He stressed that no one should receive preferential treatment during the voting process.

The senator noted that the atmosphere at the polling station was calm and orderly. He expressed satisfaction with how voters and election officials conducted themselves early in the exercise.

Fasuyi reiterated his belief that the incumbent governor would secure another term. “I arrived around 8:30am and I am in line just like everyone else. I don’t want to bypass the queue. When my turn comes, I will get accredited and vote. It is very peaceful, as you can see,” he stated.

He added, “It is still early, so we cannot predict the final outcome. Voting continues until 3 or 4 o’clock. But based on what we are seeing, I don’t think the turnout is very low. More people are expected to come out.”

The senator remarked, “We have done our part, and that ended on Thursday. We cannot do it again. We have worked hard, prayed, and now we wait for the results of our efforts over the past three or four months.”

“I am confident that my candidate, Governor Oyebanji, will still win the election, by God’s grace, today,” Fasuyi affirmed. “If we reach 500,000 votes, glory be to God. If we don’t, as long as my candidate is victorious, then glory be to God because we cannot force people to vote.”

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Wole Oluyede, has voiced concerns over the electoral process at his polling unit in Ikere Local Government Area. Shortly after casting his ballot at Polling Unit 006 in Ugele/Arokun Ward, he told journalists that numerous voters were still waiting to be accredited due to problems with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

Oluyede also reported incidents of voter harassment and intimidation within the ward. Despite these setbacks, he expressed optimism about emerging victorious in the election. The polling station saw a strong turnout of elderly voters who arrived early to exercise their franchise.

The election is widely perceived as a two-horse race between Oluyede and the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Meanwhile, Isaac Fayose, the younger brother of former Governor Ayo Fayose, has alleged widespread vote manipulation across the state.

The by-election for the Ondo South Senatorial District in Ondo State has been widely praised for its peaceful atmosphere and impressive voter participation.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, after casting his ballot at Unit 05, Ward 4, in the Obenla community within Ilaje Local Council Area, expressed satisfaction with the orderly process across all six local government areas in the district. He noted that the high turnout was a testament to effective mobilization efforts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Professor Dayo Faduyile.

The election is being conducted to fill the vacant seat left by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Voting is taking place across Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa, Irele, Odigbo, and Ileoluji/Okeigbo local council areas. Governor Aiyedatiwa encouraged all eligible voters to turn out, emphasizing that Ondo State remains safe and peaceful, with security agencies performing effectively. He reiterated that the APC’s strong structures across the district would continue to drive voter engagement, ensuring a smooth electoral process.