Voters, INEC Officials, Materials Arrive Polling Units Across Osun

Voters, election officials and sensitive materials have arrived at several polling units across Osun State ahead of the commencement of voting in Saturday’s governorship election.

The election is widely seen as a keen contest between the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party, and the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, although 10 other candidates are also on the ballot.

In Osogbo, Ikire and other parts of the state, voters were seen arriving at polling units early, while officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission were on ground preparing for the exercise.

At some polling units, voters were already checking their names on the voters’ register before accreditation and voting begin.

The same process is expected to take place across the state’s 30 local government areas.

Security has also been tightened across Osun, with police and other security agencies deployed to polling locations and other strategic areas.

Political parties, election observers and other stakeholders have continued to appeal for a peaceful election, warning against violence, intimidation and other acts capable of disrupting the process.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier directed the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to ensure the protection of voters, INEC officials and election materials.

In a further appeal on Friday night, the President urged all participants to conduct themselves peacefully and allow the electorate to freely exercise their franchise.

Tinubu said the votes of Osun residents must count regardless of the outcome, describing the election as an important test for INEC.

The police and other security agencies have also assured residents of adequate security throughout the election.

With polling preparations now underway, the hours ahead will determine whether Osun’s voters can exercise their franchise in a peaceful, credible and orderly manner.