Osun voters queue early for governorship election as INEC materials arrive

Voters in Osun State turned out early on Saturday to cast their ballots in the governorship election, with queues forming at polling units well before the arrival of election officials and materials. At 7:13 a.m., prospective voters were already waiting at Unit 2, Ward 4, Ogo Oluwa, Gulf Junction in Osogbo, the state capital.

The off-cycle election features 15 political parties contesting for the governor who will occupy the Bola Ige Government House for the next four years. Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party.

Two candidates withdrew from the race prior to election day. Adesina Adeyemi-Doro of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Simon Adewale of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) both announced their withdrawal. Despite stepping down, their party logos remain on the ballot.

Adeyemi-Doro declared support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. Adewale endorsed Governor Adeleke’s re-election bid.

Election observers noted the early turnout as an indicator of voter enthusiasm in a contest seen as a key test for the participating parties ahead of the general election cycle. Security personnel were deployed across major polling centers to maintain order.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had assured stakeholders of its readiness, with sensitive and non-sensitive materials distributed to local government areas ahead of schedule. Officials at the Osogbo unit confirmed that accreditation and voting would commence simultaneously once materials arrived.

Party agents from the major contenders monitored the setup process at various centers. The electoral body reiterated its commitment to a transparent process, urging voters to conduct themselves peacefully.

Results are expected to be announced at the state collation center in Osogbo following the conclusion of voting and counting across all 30 local government areas. The outcome will determine the political leadership of the state for the next quadrennium.