The Ekiti State Deputy Governor and deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has commended voters for their strong turnout during the state’s governorship election, describing the exercise as a sign of growing democratic maturity.

Mrs Afuye also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for what she described as their neutrality and effective coordination, which contributed to the peaceful conduct of the election across the state. She made the remarks shortly after casting her vote at her Atiba/Aafin Ward 1, Polling Unit 003 in Ikere Ekiti on Saturday during the June 20 governorship election.

The poll was held to elect a governor who will lead the state until 2030, with Afuye contesting as the running mate to Governor Biodun Oyebanji under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking after voting at about 8:50 a.m., she expressed satisfaction with the level of participation recorded across polling units, noting that voters turned out in large numbers to exercise their civic rights.

According to her, the turnout reflects growing confidence in the electoral process and shows that democracy in Nigeria is steadily maturing. She urged political actors to adhere strictly to electoral guidelines to ensure that the peace observed at the start of the election is sustained through collation.

“You can see for yourselves how people trooped out to participate in this election. Not only trooping out but being ready and anxious to participate in the voting. I am indeed impressed with this conduct of our voters,” she said. Mrs Afuye added that reports from various local government areas indicated similar levels of participation, which she attributed to effective voter engagement during campaigns.

She also commended INEC and security operatives for ensuring a peaceful process, stating that voters were able to cast their ballots without intimidation. In her assessment, she suggested that the election could become one of the best conducted in Ekiti State’s history if the peaceful atmosphere is sustained.

“You can see that nobody is being intimidated, and I believe if we continue like this, this election may turn out being the best in Ekiti history,” she stated.

Asked about the likely outcome of the election, Afuye expressed confidence in the performance of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, saying his record in office positions him strongly for victory. She added that the APC candidate would win by a wide margin, citing what she described as widespread acceptance of the administration’s performance across the state.