The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi and former Ekiti governor, Segun Oni as well as other automatic delegates cum aspirants have voted in today's governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti state.
Going by the number reeled out by the Chairman of the Ekiti APC Governorship primary Committee and governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura, the number of accredited delegates that will vote in the primary was 2,409.
However, the statutory number of delegates in Ekiti APC was 2,616, but the number dropped on account of deaths, defections to other parties and inabilities to fill some vacant positions.
Voting commenced at about 3.30pm after a torrential and stormy downpour had delayed the exercise for over an hour.
The rain nearly destroyed the tent erected in the heart of the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti, venue of the event, where Governor Al-Makura and members of his committee were to be seated.
Former governor of the old Ondo state, Evang Bamidele Olumilua had also voted in the exercise.
Other party bigwigs cum aspirants, who voted as automatic delegates, were: former governors Niyi Adebayo and Bamidele Olumilua , Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele, Hon Bamidele Faparusi, Senator Gbenga Aluko, Hon Bimbo Daramola and Senator Ayo Arise.
After the party stalwarts had voted, the Chief Jide Awe-led State Working Committee(SWC) members also followed suit after which ward and local government delegates from Ekiti East and Ado Local governments took their turns.
Before the commencement of the voting, Al-Makura apologized for the delay caused by nature (rainfall).
"We are about to start the voting now, we are sorry for the delay and we also commend you for your understanding.
"Let me plead with delegates to be orderly. All the 33 aspirants that you have paraded are eminently qualified to lead Ekiti.
"So, be rest assured that no fake delegate will vote here and no eligible one will be disenfranchised.
"We are beginning with authentication of the accredited delegates after which we shall give you the ballot to cast your votes," he said.
