There was a heavy security presence in all the 13 wards in Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti on Saturday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary.
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, Department of State Security and other security agencies were seen moving round the polling units and other strategic locations to ensure law and order.
Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who monitored the primary, reports that security checkpoints were also mounted at strategic areas, especially identified flash points in the metropolis.
Party supporters were subjected to routine checks in some locations as part of measures to forestall security breaches.
The large presence of armed security operatives created an atmosphere of calmness across the wards as residents who had trooped out in large numbers waited eagerly for voting to commence.
Business activities around some ward centres were partially restricted as security operatives maintained strict surveillance around the voting venues.
NAN reports that large turnout of party supporters were recorded in most of the Wards in Ado-Ekiti and other council areas visited, as voting through direct primary commenced around 10:00a.m.
Some of the Wards visited in Ado-Ekiti Local Government included Ado Wards 6 Okeiyinmi, Oke-Ila Ward 7, Ijoka Ward 5, Okesa Ward 10, Irona Ward 11, Igbehin Ward 12 and Idolofin Ward 3.
Others are Ire Ward 1 and 2 in Oye Local Government and Aisegba Ward in Gbonyin Local Government.
Speaking on the primary in Oye-Ekiti, the Chairperson of Oye Local Government Area, Mrs Clara Bamisile, praised security agencies for their efforts at maintaining law and order.
Bamisile also applauded the large turnout of party supporters, describing the development as “good for the development of our democracy.”
Bamisile urged the eligible voters to comport themselves and obey the rules and regulations guiding the party primary.
Similarly, the Chairman of Ikole Local Government, Mr Bayo Omojola lauded party supporters for turning out enmass for the exercise.
Omojola expressed optimism that the primary would be peaceful, free and fair. (NAN)
