SAN FRANCISCO, July 09, (THEWILL) – The governorship election in Ekiti State has attracted so many interests among local and international observers because of many factors in a state where the outgoing Governor, Peter Ayodele Fayose of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has been one of the most vocal opposition against President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
There is no gainsaying the fact that the outcome of Ekiti poll may likely determine the fortune of the two main political parties at the 2019 general elections. It is one election with many peculiar features, which analysts have described as a do-or-die contest.
The poll is a bitter clash of wits, where Fayose is hell bent on making his deputy, Kolapo Olusola Eleka his successor, just as former governor Kayode Fayemi, who is the APC’s candidate, is resolute on staging a comeback, after his 2014 defeat by Fayose with the support of the federal machinery under his then ruling party. This keen contest has created very sharp divides, with key players and their followers preparing to win at all cost.
THEWILL is however worried about allegations and counter allegations by the PDP and APC of plots to rig the election, which has unfortunately heightened the tension in the state ahead of the July 14 vote.
Although, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has consistently assured that the elections would be free and fair, we urge the Federal Government and the electoral body to guarantee a level-playing field for all participants so as to cement voters’ confidence in the electoral process.
The Ekiti election provides INEC an opportunity to test run its strategy for the Osun governorship election in the last quarter of the year and also the general elections in February next year.
THEWILL urges all stakeholders particularly security operatives to work closely to ensure that the poll is credible and ensure the safety of residence during and after the election.
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