Osun governorship election: Voters turn out early, await INEC

Voters in Osun State turned out early to exercise their franchise in the governorship election, forming queues at polling units while awaiting the arrival of Independent National Electoral Commission officials and election materials. By 7:13 am, prospective voters had gathered at Gulf Junction, Ogo Oluwa Ward 4, Unit 2 in Osogbo, the state capital, ready to cast their ballots.

The election will determine the occupant of the Bola Ige Government House for the next four years. A total of 15 political parties are participating in the off-cycle contest, with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party.

Two candidates announced their withdrawal ahead of the poll. Adesina Adeyemi-Doro of the All Progressives Grand Alliance and Simon Adewale of the Allied Peoples Movement both stepped down from the race. Adeyemi-Doro declared support for the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, while Adewale endorsed Governor Adeleke. Despite their withdrawals, the All Progressives Grand Alliance and the Allied Peoples Movement remain on the ballot for the election.