By Oche Otene
The Ekiti State Governorship election recorded strong voter turnout in Ado Ekiti on Saturday, with Persons with Disabilities taking active part in the process.
At St. Michael Secondary School, Ado Ekiti, both elderly and young voters turned out in large numbers.
Persons with Disabilities were also seen at the polling units, with many describing the process as transparent and orderly.
At Ajilosun Ward 4, Funke Martins, a voter who uses a wheelchair, said the exercise was peaceful.
She however complained about inaccessibility at some polling units due to raised platforms. “After we complained, the platform was brought down so I could vote. It should have been flat from the start, but I appreciate that they responded,” she said.
Also at Polling Unit 002, Ado Ijigbo, St. Michael Primary School Area 2, Mr. Olatunde, a visually impaired voter, hailed INEC for arriving before 8am.
He commended the Commission for ensuring priority voting for PWDs and said the process was peaceful. “There was enough publicity before the election, and that is why the turnout is high,” he added.
PWD voters at several units said INEC’s decision to give them priority on the queue and assistance from ad-hoc staff made participation easier, though they urged the Commission to ensure all polling units are fully accessible in future elections without needing complaints.
