Wale Oyedele, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Ekiti election, has criticised the conduct of the poll, alleging delays in voting and voter intimidation.

Oyedele spoke with journalists on Saturday after voting at his polling unit in Ikere local government area of the state.

‘Only five people voted in over one hour’

The PDP candidate expressed frustration over the pace of accreditation and voting.

According to him, only a handful of voters had cast their ballots more than an hour after voting commenced.

“It is actually useless,” he said.

“People have been here for about one and a half hours and only five people have voted in my polling unit.”

Furthermore, Oyedele said the situation raised concerns about the efficiency of the electoral process.

“If they have voted five people per hour, that is sad,” he said.

“Something is wrong.”

Oyedele questions INEC’s handling of poll

Meanwhile, the PDP candidate said he suspects there may be problems with INEC’s processes.

He also complained that electoral officials failed to respond promptly to concerns raised at the polling unit.

“They have called the RAC head for the last 45 minutes. He hasn’t been here,” he said.

“We cannot disenfranchise these people.”

According to him, the delays could prevent eligible voters from exercising their democratic rights.

“It is sad for democracy in Nigeria,” he added.

Alleges voter intimidation

In addition, Oyedele alleged that security personnel were intimidating voters in some areas.

He specifically pointed to the polling area where the deputy governor voted.

“Go down there and see the army of policemen that are harassing people,” he said.

“They are using force very easily.”

The PDP candidate said he had recorded evidence of the alleged conduct.

“I taped them. I have evidence of that,” he said.

“And I will show you what is appropriate.”

‘My supporters will remain peaceful’

Despite his concerns, Oyedele expressed confidence in his supporters and urged them to remain calm.

“I am so very confident that my people are going to stay here peacefully,” he said.

The Ekiti governorship election is being held across the state’s 16 local government areas.