The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the ward-level collation of results in the Ekiti State governorship election as the electoral process enters a crucial stage.

Election officials were seen arriving at designated ward collation centres across the state to submit results from various polling units for onward transmission to local government collation centres.

At Ward 4 Collation Centre located at Jonathan Memorial African Church in Ado-Ekiti, presiding officers presented results from polling units under their jurisdiction as party agents and observers monitored the process.

Early results from some polling units in the state capital showed the All Progressives Congress (APC) taking a significant lead over its rivals.

At Polling Unit 13, located at A.U.D. Primary School/Ibukun Olu in Ado-Ekiti, the APC secured 140 votes.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recorded seven votes, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) polled five votes.

Similarly, at Polling Unit 04 situated in front of Omesi Medicine Store near Olokun Compound, the APC garnered 147 votes.

The PDP received two votes, while the ADC recorded one vote.

As collation progressed, some presiding officers raised concerns over alleged irregularities encountered during the voting process.

Speaking anonymously, a corps member deployed as a presiding officer claimed there were attempts by certain individuals to influence election officials.

“There were cases of intimidation of us in order to compromise,” the official alleged while displaying election result sheets at the Ward 4 collation centre.

Another election official stated that voting proceeded peacefully at the start but later experienced disruptions linked to alleged vote-buying activities.

According to the officer, disagreements broke out among voters after reports of financial inducement emerged, resulting in arguments and minor clashes.

“Voting started peacefully until financial inducement began, which led to arguments and clashes. But it was brought under control by the police,” the official said.

The presiding officer also observed that voter turnout at the polling unit was relatively low compared to the number of registered voters expected to participate.

INEC officials have continued collating results across ward centres as the electoral process advances toward the next stage.

Following completion at the ward level, results are expected to be transmitted to local government collation centres before the final state-wide collation and declaration of results.

Security personnel remain deployed across collation centres to maintain order and ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise.

Political parties and election observers are also closely monitoring the collation process as residents await the official outcome of the governorship election.

The election is expected to determine the political direction of Ekiti State for the next four years, making the collation process one of the most closely watched developments in the state.