Osun governorship election: Adeleke votes, predicts peaceful victory

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has expressed confidence that the ongoing governorship election in the state will be peaceful and result in his re-election. The governor made the remarks shortly after casting his ballot at Sagba Agbogunde Ward 2, Unit 9, in Ede North Local Government Area.

According to Media Talk Africa, Adeleke arrived at the polling unit around 8 a.m. accompanied by a large contingent of supporters. After voting, he told journalists that the election offers residents the opportunity to determine the state’s leadership for the next four years. He urged eligible voters across Osun to turn out in large numbers, remain at their polling units to monitor proceedings, and protect their votes until the completion of the collation process.

“This election will be peaceful and I will win,” Adeleke said. “I want you people of Osun State to remain at your polling units and monitor the process in accordance with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission.”

The governor appealed for calm and lawful conduct throughout the voting and collation phases, emphasizing that a credible outcome depends on the active participation and vigilance of the electorate. His call for voters to safeguard their ballots reflects broader concerns about electoral integrity in off-cycle governorship contests.

Security presence at the polling unit was reported to be visible but unobtrusive, with election officials processing voters in an orderly manner. Observers noted a steady stream of voters throughout the morning, suggesting robust turnout in the governor’s home local government area.

The election pits Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party against candidates from the All Progressives Congress and other parties. The outcome will shape governance in the South West state, which has a history of closely contested gubernatorial races.

INEC has assured stakeholders of its commitment to a transparent process, deploying technology and personnel to support result transmission and verification. Civil society groups are monitoring proceedings across the state’s 30 local government areas.

As collation begins, attention will focus on the consistency of results from polling units with those announced at higher levels. The governor’s early vote and public confidence signal a campaign narrative centered on continuity, while opposition parties have pledged to challenge any irregularities through legal channels.

The next 24 to 48 hours will determine whether the peaceful conduct Adeleke predicted holds through the final declaration of results.