Voting has commenced across Osun State in the much-anticipated governorship election, with early reports indicating a largely peaceful atmosphere in major polling centres monitored by our correspondents in Osogbo and Ede.
As of the time of filing this report, voters had turned out to exercise their franchise, while officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) arrived early at polling units. In some locations monitored, INEC officials and election materials were on ground as early as 7:30 a.m., allowing the accreditation and voting processes to proceed simultaneously.
Reports gathered from other parts of the state also indicated a calm and peaceful atmosphere, despite the tension that characterised the build-up to the election.
Governor Ademola Adeleke cast his vote at about 8:38 a.m. at his family house in Abogunde/Esaagba, Ward 2, Unit 009. The governor arrived amid cheers from residents and supporters who gathered around the polling area.
Similarly, former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adejare Bello, expressed satisfaction with the voter turnout and the peaceful conduct of voters at his polling unit.
Bello, who spoke with journalists at Ward 3, Unit 13, said the calm atmosphere was encouraging, particularly against the backdrop of the tension that preceded the election.
He commended the voters for their peaceful disposition and appealed to residents across the state to sustain the attitude until the conclusion of the voting, counting and announcement of results.
With voting continuing across the state, attention remains focused on the conduct of the election and the ability of all stakeholders to maintain the prevailing peace as voters exercise their democratic rights.
