Live Updates: Osun Governorship Election 2022

7:20 AM

Breaking: PDP’s Adeleke Wins Osun Guber Election

Peoples Democratic Party Governorship candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has won the Osun Governorship Election. He polled 403,371 votes.

Adeleke won in 17 of the 30 local government areas in the election conducted on Saturday.

His closest rival, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the Peoples Democratic Party, polled 375,927 votes. Oyetola won in 13 local government areas..

Adeleke was declared winner and returned elected by the State Returning Officer, , at 7.18am Sunday

Details later…

IFE EAST

APC 19,353

LP 65

PDP 18,071

SDP 40

ATAKUMOSA EAST

APC 7,449

LP 23

PDP 6,992

SDP 14

Ifelodun LG

APC – 16,068

LP – 18

PDP – 17,107

IFE SOURTH

APC 12,481

LP 28

PDP 9,116

SDP 14

EGBEDORE

APC 9228

LP 41

PDP 13,230

SDP 22

EJIGBO

APC 14,355

LP 30

PDP 18,065

SDP 17

ISOKAN

APC 10,333

PDP 10,777

SDP

IREWOLE

APC 18,189

LP 17

PDP 14,216

SDP 11

EDE SOUTH

APC 5,704

LP 16

PDP 19,438

SDP 11

IWO

APC 17,421

LP 32

PDP 16,914

SDP 20

OLAOLUWA

APC 9,123

LP 12

PDP 7,205

SDP 14

ODO-OTIN

APC 13482

LP 19

PDP 14,003

SDP 12

AYEDADE

APC 14,527

LP 20

PDP 13,380

SDP 10

ORIADE

APC 14,189

LP 24

PDP 15,940

SDP 21

3:56 AM

Oyetola Wins Boripe, Ifedayo, Ife Central LGs

Governor Isiaka Oyetola, candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Saturday’s Osun governorship election, has won in Boripe, Ifedayo and Ife Central local government areas. The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ademola Adeleke, scored the second highest votes. See results below

BORIPE

APC 21,205

LP 04

PDP 7,595

SDP 09

IFEDAYO

APC 5016

LP 01

PDP 4730

SDP 0

IFE CENTRAL

APC 17,880

LP 134

PDP 13532

SDP 50

IREPODUN

APC 12,122

LP 1,886

PDP 14,369

SDP 06

IFE CENTRAL

APC 17,880

LP 134

PDP 13,532

SDP 50

3:34 AM

Adeleke Wins in Obokun, Orolu, Olorunda, Ife North LGs

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Saturday’s Osun Governorship Election, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has won in Obokun, Orolu, Olorunda and Ife North local governments. All Progressives Congress candidate, Governor Isiaka Oyetola, scored the second highest votes. Below are results from the four local governments.

Obokun

APC 9,727

LP 11

PDP 13,575

SDP 04

Orolu

APC 9928

LP 32

PDP 10,282

SDP 09

Olorunda

APC 18,709

LP 63

PDP 21,350

SDP 46

Ife North

APC 9,964

LP 34

PDP 10,359

SDP 09

AYEDIRE

APC 7,868

LP 07

PDP 7,402

SDP 04

ODO-OTIN

APC 13482

PDP 14,003

SDP 12

BORIPE

APC 21,205

LP 04

PDP 7,595

SDP 09

OLORUNDA

APC 18,709

LP 63

PDP 21,350

SDP 46

OROLU

APC 9,928

LP 32

PDP 10,282

SDP 09

OBOKUN

APC 9,727

LP 11

PDP 13,575 SDP 04

ATAKUMOSA WEST

APC 6601

LP 13

PDP 7750

SDP 11

OSHOGBO

APC 22,952

LP 79

PDP 30401

SDP 62

ILA

APC 11163

LP 06

PDP 13,036

SDP 09

ILESHA WEST

APC 10,777

LP 40

PDP 13,769

SDP 21

2:58 AM

Adeleke Wins Odo-Otin LG

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Saturday’s Osun Governorship Election, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has won in Odo-Otin local government, polling 14,003 votes to defeat his closest rival, Govenor Isiaka Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress, who scored 13,482 .

2:38 AM

Adeleke Wins Osogbo, Ila, Atakumosa LGs

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Saturday’s Osun Governorship Election, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has won in Osogbo, Ila, Atakumosa local governments. In Osogbo, he scored 30,401 votes while his

closest rival, Governor Isiaka Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress, scored 22,952.

The PDP candidate also won in Ila local government polling 13,036 while Oyetola scored 11,163 votes. In Atakumosa, Adeleke scored 7,759 while Oyetola scored 6,601.

The candidate of the All Progresives Congress in Saturday’s Osun Governorship Election, Governor Isiaka Oyetola, has won in Ilesha East local government polling 13,452 votes to defeat his closest rival, Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party, who scored 10,969.

2:28 AM

Oyetola Wins Ilesha East

Candidates of the Labour Party, Hon Lasun Yusuf, and Social Democratic Party, Oyegoke Omigbadun scored 33 and 32 votes respectively.

02:11am

Adeleke Wins Boluwaduro LG

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Saturday’s Osun Governorship Election, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has won in Boluwaduro local government polling 5,860 votes to defeat his closest rival, Govenor Isiaka Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress, who scored 5,649.

Candidates of the Labour Party, Hon Lasun Yusuf, and Social Democratic Party, Oyegoke Omigbadun scored 09 and 03 votes respectively.

08:39pm

Osun Decides: INEC Commences Uploading of Polling Unit Results to Portal

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced uploading of results for Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State into the commission’s results viewing portal.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the uploading of election results started shortly after the close of voting and sorting of votes in some polling units across the state.

As at 5.35 p.m. on Saturday, results from no fewer than 1,707 units out of the 3,763 polling units across the 30 local government areas in the state had been uploaded on the portal: https://www.inecelectionresults.ng/

No fewer than 34 results out of 95 polling units in Isokan Local Government Area had been uploaded on the portal, while 65 out of 100 had also been uploaded for Obokun Local Government Area at the time of filling this report.

For Olorunda LG, 74 out of 193 polling units results have been uploaded on the portal as well 72 out of 121 for Odo-Otin Local Government Area.

For Iwo LGA, 48 out of 170 polling units results have been uploaded; for Irepodun 52 out of 133 have been uploaded, while 18 out of 62 polling units results for Ola-Oluwa LGA have also been uploaded. (NAN)

08:30pm

Oyetola Wins Aregbesola’s Unit in Ilesa

Yinka Kolawole in Osigbo

Governor Gboyega Oyeola of Osun State has won Ward 8, unit 1, Isare Ifofin, Ilesa East Local Government Area of Osun State in Saturday’s election.

The governor, who contested the gubernatorial election on the platform All Progressives Congress (APC), secured 164 votes, while his closest rival, Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), polled 134 votes.

05:19pm

Oyetola Loses Govt House Polling Unit to Adeleke

Deji Elumoye in Osogbo

Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has lost the Government House polling unit in Osogbo to Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In the governorship election score sheet for Agowande/ Oshogbo GRA/ Governor’s office polling unit in Olorunda Local government prepared by Assistant Polling Officer (APO1), Nwachukwu Henrietta Chidinma, PDP scored 117 votes while APC got 106 votes.

Other parties and their scores are Accord Party 2, APM 1, PRP 1 and SDP 1.

05:15pm

Adeleke Wins Polling Unit on Ede

Deji Elumoye in Osogbo

The 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ademola Adeleke, has won on his polling unit in Ede North local government area.

In a result declared at Polling Unit 09, Ward 02, Abogunde, Ede North LGA, Saturday afternoon, Adeleke pulled 218 votes followed by incumbent governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Adegboyega Oyetola who scored 23 votes while Accord party got 1 vote.

03:13pm

Voting Ends, Collation in Progress

Deji Elumoye in Osogbo

The 2023 governorship election in Osun State has ended in most of the 30 local government areas of the State.

Voters on the queue as at 2.30pm when the voting ended in the state of the living spring are still being allowed to vote with policemen standing at the back of the last man on the queues.

The voting exercise which began at 9am is to be followed by sorting of the ballot papers before counting proper will start.

01:56pm

Election Peaceful, Says Senatorial Candidate

All Progressives Congress Senatorial candidate in Osun West, Mr Raheem Talise, while speaking with our correspondent at Iwo described the voting exercise as peaceful and deviod of any sharp practices

He said there was no report of votes buying and selling in Iwo, saying that the entire Iwo community belongs to Oyetola and that he was optimistic that he would win going to by his performance in three and half years.

While commending the people of Iwo for their massive turnout, he said that from the feelers in the town, there had not been any reported incident, just as he commended INEC and security agencies for doing a wonderful job.

01:20pm

LP Candidate Didn’t Collapse Structure, Says Party Chair

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Candidate of Labour Party Lasun Yussuff has denied collapsing his party with Peoples Democratic Party.

It will be recalled that there was a report that he had collapsed his party with Peoples Democratic party.

According to the chairman of the party Comrade Adebayo Bello, “Hon. Yusuf did not collapse any of his structures into the PDP. Those that are spreading the news are only hallucinating.”

The chairman said he was in the race and still hopeful of victory. He described the insinuation as fake news.

12:58 pm

Centenarian Votes in Iragbiji

An over 100-year-old man, Mr Mustafa Olatunji, was spotted on Saturday voting at Unit 2, Ward 1, LA Primary School Popo, Iragbiji in Boripe Local Government area of Osun, at the ongoing governorship election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Olatunji, a Centenarian, was visibly the oldest person on the queue at the polling unit when accreditation and voting began at about 8.30 a.m.

Olatunji told NAN that he had been voting since the day of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, saying, “voting is my civic responsibility”.

According to him, I am over 100 years and I have been voting since the day’s Awolowo.

“I am happy with the election process and always motivated to see people coming out to vote during election.

“Election is the only process by which people can choose the leaders they want,” he said. (NAN)

12:16 pm

Accord Candidate Commends INEC for Peaceful Election

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The governorship candidate of Accord Party, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, has commend INEC for the peaceful conduct of the election so far.

Ogunbiyi spoke to reporters after he voted alongside his wife at Ile-Ogbo ward 5, unit 3 at Methodist primary school.

According to him, at AUD polling unit, about 37 have voted against over 500 registered voters. He enjoined INEC to ensure that all eligible voters voted.

He said the report reaching him showed the exercise had been peaceful across the state.

He said he was optimistic that he will win the election just as he charged INEC to ensure that every eligible voter votes before before the end of the exercise.

Similarly, The traditional ruler of Iwoland, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, while speaking with reporters, enjoined the electorate to vote wisely and vote a candidate of their choice.

The monarch condemned vote buying and selling,. He however said it will be difficult to curb due to level of poverty in the land.

He said he had directed all his subjects to go out and cast their votes, urging them to shun vote buying and selling.

He promised that he will deliver 90,000 votes to Governor Gboyega Oyetola as he earlier promised, adding that the governor has done very well in various areas of development in the state.

The monarch, however, said the exercise had been peaceful and his community in Iwo remain the the most peaceful in Nigeria.

12:09 pm

Nonagenarians Vote, Optimistic About Better Nigeria

A 95-year- old Mr Adekunle Benjamin, and Mrs Shabina Oladipo, 90, were at their polling units in Oogi town, Ayedaade Local Government Areas, as early as 7:00am to cast their votes.

Speaking at Unit 7, ward 8, Oogi, Benjamin said he came out early to vote because of his faith in a better Nigeria.

He said he came out as early as 7:00am to cast his vote for his preferred candidate.

Benjamin , who claimed that he had been voting since 1952, said that he also came out to vote for a better economy.

” I am 95 years of age and I had been voting since 1952. I still have faith in this country.

” I am here to exercise my Civic responsibility and to vote for my candidate for better dividend of democracy”, he said.

Benjamin, however, appealed to political candidates in the election not to see the election as a do-or-die affair.

“Politics is a game and not a fight. No matter what the outcome of the election might be, the winner and the loser should see themselves as one”, he said.

He commended INEC for timely arrival at the polling unit.

Also speaking, Oladipo said she came out early to vote because of her desire for peace and development of the state.

She said she believed that her preffered candidate would fulfil his campaign promises.

Oladipo, who claimed to be 90 years of age, appealed to electorate to come out and vote.

Miss Asogwa Ngozika, the Presiding Officer of the polling unit, said they arrived at the polling unit at 6:30 am.

Ngozika said the electorate were also orderly.

12:03 pm

Voting in Progress in Ilesha East

Ward 10, unit 6, Oro Ajimoko, Ilesa East, the machines are working perfectly and the election is going on smoothly.

The Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye confirmed that the INEC machines were working perfectly.

12:02 pm

Deputy Governor Votes

The Osun State Deputy Governor, Benedict Alabi, was accredited at 10:31am at his ward 6 unit 7, Baptist Day School, Ikire and voted at 10:32 am.

He he described the process as peaceful and orderly, with impressive turnout.

11:56 am

EFCC in Iragbiji, Oyetola’s Hometown

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Some officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrived Iragbiji, the hometown of Governor Gboyega Oyetola, candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State.

No fewer than six officials of the anti-graft agency were sighted at Ward 1, Unit 1, St Peter’s Anglican School, Iragbiji, where the governor is expected to vote this morning.

The officials wore their jackets branded with EFCC inscriptions and drove their official vehicles to the area.

The presence of the anti-graft operatives, it was gathered, was to discourage vote-buying.

11:53 am

Voters Commend INEC

Some electorate in some polling units in Osun State have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for ensuring that accreditation and voting commenced early.

Checks by our correspondent revealed that INEC officials arrived polling units few minutes before 8am, while accreditation started immediately.

There is peaceful atmosphere in most parts of the state visited by our correspondent as voters filed out early to the polling units to exercise their franchise.

At Ward 4, Unit 20, Old Governor’s Office Area in Osogbo Local Government Area, voters were seen on the queue at 8:00am for accreditation and voting.

Speaking to the INEC presiding officers on duty, they said they arrived at exactly:7:40am and that processes started immediately.

Speaking, one of the voters at Ward 6, unit 7, St David Primary School, Ode-Omu, Ayedaade Local Government, Comrade Akinyemi Olatunji commended INEC for ensuring early commencement, adding that voters also came out on time.

But Olatunji said there was a mixed up in the materials brought to the polling unit as a sticker of another polling unit close to the primary school was pasted on the materials.

However, an INEC official for Ayedaade was there to correct the mixed up.

11:47 am

Osun Poll: NYSC DG Warns Corps Members against Malpractice

The Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Muhammad Fadah, has warned corps members on election duties in the Osun gubernatorial election to strictly abide by the electoral laws.

This was made known in a statement by the scheme’s Director, Press and Public Relations, Mr Eddy Megwa, on Saturday in Abuja.

According to the statement, Fadah issued the warning in Osogbo while addressing the corps members who have undergone training as ad hoc staff by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He also stated that anyone found wanting would be sanctioned accordingly.

The statement added that Fadah also urged them to remain neutral while performing their election duties with diligence as good ambassadors of the NYSC.

“Your colleagues did it successfully in Ekiti and l believe you will also do us proud here in Osun State.

“Avoid sharp practices, avoid taking gratifications, don’t take sides, play according to the rules of the game and be security conscious,” he said.

It said Fadah also visited security agencies in the state to seek for security of the corps members on election duties.

It added that at the Army Engineer Construction and Command (ECC) in Ede, Fadah commended the cordial relationship between NYSC and the military command.

The Commander, Brig.-Gen. Suleman, applauded the director-general for finding time to check on the corps members on election duties.

“We will continue to partner with you to ensure the safety of all corps members during and after the election,” he said.

Also at the state Police Headquarters in Osogbo, the Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) for Osun election, Mr Johnson Kokumo, assured the DG of maximum security for the corps members.

He commended the management of the scheme for mentoring corps members for national assignments.

He said: “Corps members are our children and our priority. We will not relent in our efforts towards ensuring their safety.”

Also, the Osun State Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Bankole Alade, while hosting Fadah in his office, assured him of a stronger synergy with NYSC.

He added that the DSS would continue to do the needful to protect corps members during and after the elections including all the corps lodges within the state.

Also, the Deputy Controller General, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Mungadi Danladi, described corps members as invaluable assets in the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in the country.

He promised the readiness of the NSCDC for corps members’ safety across the state. (NAN)

11:46 am

I’m Confident of Winning, Says Adeleke

Chuks Okocha in Osogbo

The Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ademola Adeleke, after casting his vote Saturday, said he was confidence of winning the ongoing Osun State governorship election.

He voted at Ward 2 Polling Unit 009, Sagba/Abogunde in Ede North Local Government Area of the state.

The PDP gubernatorial hopeful also commended INEC, for improving on the electoral process.

Adeleke said: “It is fantastic. I think INEC has improved. They can do better but they have improved and I must give them credit.”

On vote buying, he said: “It is still early. I have not heard of any case and we hope nothing like that happens because we want this election to be a point of contact for 2023. The world is watching and this election is going to be a test case. So, let Osun people decide who they want.

“We met with INEC and they assured us that this election will not be like that of Ekiti. They promised that this election is going to be transparent, peaceful, free and fair.”

Despite silent strategy of vote buying, he expressed confidence that he will emerge the winner of the election.

According to him: “I am not afraid, I am confident of winning the election.”

11:39 am

Governor Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola of Osun state voting at his ward L A Primary School Oloiyi Popo, ward 1 polling unit 002, Iragbiji in Boripe Local Government Area during Osun state Governorship election Saturday 16 July 2021

11:17 am

Oyetola Votes, Commends INEC for Peaceful Poll

Deji Elumoye in Osogbo

Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the peaceful conduct of the state gubernatorial poll.

Oyetola, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) cas his vote at 10.55 am after being accredited at polling unit 01ward one at Local Authority primary school in Popo area of Iragbiji, Boripe local government area of the state of the living spring.

The governor who spoke with newsmen after casting his vote said reports reaching him had it that the governorship poll is peaceful across the state.

11:14 am

The Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola arrived with his wife at about 10.45am

Accord Party Candidate, Akin Ogunbiyi, voted at Ward5, unit 3, Methodist Pry. Sch, Ile-Ogbo

11:13 am

Acreditation, Voting Under way in Ifelodun

Chuks Okocha in Osogbo

In Ward 4 Unit 6 Ifelodun LGA, the presiding officer was seen addressing voters at 8:00 am

Accreditation and voting began at 8:30am

At Ward 4 Unit 3 Oke Afo Ifelodu LGA collation centre, presiding officer addressed voters at 8:23 am. Accreditation and voting began at 8:30am

There were 1599 voters on the list.

Voters formed lines on the basis of O and A which represents Oyetola and Adeleke

At Ward 1 PU2 Popo polling centre in Boripe LGA governor, Oyetola’s polling Unit.

Accreditation and voting began at 8:35am

Registered voters 1,457.

11:00 am

Osun Decides: Oyetola Yet to Vote

Deji Elumoye in Osogbo

Governor Adegboyega Oyetola is yet to cast his vote as at 10.22 am on Saturday.

Oyetola, who is the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, is yet to show up for accreditation at LEA primary school, Popo, Igbaji in Boripe Local Government Area of the state.

He’s expected to vote at polling unit 02, ward one.

Meanwhile, there is large turn out of voters at the polling unit

10:56 am

Osun Decides: My Party’s Polling Agents Have Compromised, Says APP Candidate

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Osun state governorship candidate of Action Peoples Party (APP), Adeolu Adebayo has urged security agents across the state to disallow all the party’s agents at the polling units.

Adebayo alleged that his party’s agents across the state have been compromised and hijacked by one of the major political parties in the governorship race.

The guber candidate told THISDAY on Saturday morning, “It has been discovered that all my party agents across osun state were strangers, I don’t know them and they are never a member of Action Peoples Party(APP).

“This was notice on the passport photograph on my party state agent was not anyone from my party. I start doing my findings to have a proof and discovered yesterday through some of the party members seeing my party agents tags with strange people.

“I further in my investigation to be sure of the allegations that members of the PDP are the one behind this evil act. I therefore request a fast action and approach by the commission of police; never to allow anyone carry APP party agent tags at the polling units across osun state. Arrest should be made in any case of someone seeing carry APP party agents tags.”

09:35am

Iragbiji, Ede Residents Troop out to Vote under Tight Security

The residents of Iragbiji in Boripe Local Government area of Osun and Ede trooped out in large numbers as early 6.30 a.m, eager to cast their votes amidst tight security in the Saturday governorship election.

Iragbiji is the home town of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, who is seeking reelection on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Ede is the home town of his main opposition, Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the 2022 Osun governorship election, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is taking place in all the 30 local government areas of the state with 3,763 polling units and 332 registration areas.

The 15 political parties’ candidates participating in the election include: Mr Oyegoke Omigbodun, Social Democratic Party (SDP); Dr Akin Ogunbiyi (Accord); Mr Yusuf Lasun (Labour Party); Munirudeen Atanda (Action Democratic Party) and Busuyi Ayowole of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

At Iragbiji, voters were seen in large numbers at their polling units, as early as 7.00 a.m, waiting for the arrival of ad hoc staff of INEC to commence accreditation and voting.

At Polling Unit 2 Ward 2, Iragbiji Town Hall, the voters were already stationed at the unit in readiness to cast their vote.

Also, at about 7.30 a.m, voters were seen at Polling Units 7, Opposite WEMA Bank and Polling Unit 6, Osolo Hall, both in Ward 2, to check their names on the pasted INEC voters registers.

The same scenario played out at Unit 2, Ward 1, LA Primary School, Popo, where voters were being educated by INEC ad hoc staff on how to check their names on the pasted voter register, advising them to conduct themselves in orderly manners.

The voters were equally admonished not to sell their votes.

The INEC Presiding Officer, Valentine Awoegbe, also advised the political parties’ agents, election observers and the media to cooperate with the INEC staff, while performing their duties for a hitch-free poll.

There were large numbers of security personnel manning strategic locations in the two major towns to ensure hitch-free conduct of the election.

Restriction of vehicular movement was, however, not noticed in the town as commercial motorcyclists were seen operating freely within the town early in the day before the commencement of voting.

In Ede and its environs, eligible voters were seen rushing to their various polling units as early as 6.30 a.m in readiness to participate in the governorship election amidst tight security.

NAN correspondent, who went round the community reported that many voters were already at their polling units as early as 7.00 a.m, awaiting the arrival of the electoral officers.

There was large presence of security personnel manning strategic locations in the town, while some were seen patrolling the major roads to ensure normalcy at about 6:45 a.m.

Also, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, who would serve as INEC ad hoc staff, were seen in buses conveying them to their various polling units and wards.

At Ward 2, Unit 9, Abogunde area, where Adeleke, the PDP candidate, is expected to cast his vote, voters were already waiting for the commencement of the election.

Also, at Ward 1, Unit 4, Atapara area, voters were seen in large numbers making arrangements for the arrival of INEC officials.

INEC officials started arriving at their locations by 7.00 a.m.

Speaking, Mr Akinwumi Olaniyi said the election would be peaceful, looking at the level of preparedness of INEC and the heavy presence of security personnel.

Also, Miss Abigal Ayoade, on her way to the polling unit, appealed to the electorate not to take laws into their hands, but rather ensure they obeyed all the regulations set aside by the electoral officers.

In Ile-Ife, there was large turnout of residents of the ancient city heading towards their polling units to vote.

There was massive deployment of security agencies to different locations in the town.

Many eligible voters trooped to their polling units as early as 7.30 a.m to ensure that they cast their votes early.

At L.A Primary School, Ilode Ward 11, Unit 007, election materials were on ground in readiness for accreditation and voting. (NAN)

09:29am

Voters checking for their names while INEC officials and security agents were ready for commencement of accreditation at the Polling Unit 10, opposite Seventh Day Adventist Primary, School, Ede in Ede South Local Govt

09:27am

Massive Turnout Amidst Heavy Security

Chuks Okocha in Osogbo

There is massive turnout of voters amid heavy security.

In most of the places visited by THISDAY, voters turnout was impressive.

Polling officials were ready as early as 8 am at the polling centres in Osogbo.

In some of the polling centres, voting have commenced.

No crisis or violence observed, but many people are apprehensive because of the fierce campaign by the leading parties ahead of the election.

09:20am

PDP Governorship Candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, casting his vote at Ward 2 Unit 9 Abogunde Saga, Ede South.

09:19am

Election Officials Arrive Polling Units Early

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

At Ward 1, Ataoja A, Osogbo local government, voters were addressing themselves before the commencement of voting. At Ward 02, Unit 7, Oke-Bode in Atakumosa West Local Government, INEC officials and security operatives arrived as early as 7am with election materials and set up immediately.

Olakunle Muhammed, a residents of Osunjela commended electoral Officials for their early arrival. At Ward 02, Unit 7, Oke-Bode in Atakumosa West Local Government, INEC officials and security operatives arrived as early as 7am with election materials and set up immediately.

Olakunle Muhammed, a residents of Osunjela commended electoral officials for their early arrival.

09:15am

Tight Security as Voters Troop Down to Polling Units

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

As over 1.5 million Osun voters are out today to elect the next Governor of Osun State, voters were seeing at the polling centers struggling to retrieve their names in a peaceful manner before the commencement of accreditation at Ode-Omu, Oogi town in Ayedaade Local government area of the State.

However accreditation commenced at 8.30am with security beefed up in all the polling stations accross the state with the presence of personnel of Civil Defence Corps, Army, police and other security agencies.

Electoral officers at Ward 10, Unit 13, Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun state are also ready for commencement of voting.

Meanwhile THISDAY noticed large turnout in most of the polling stations.

At St David Anglican Middle School,Ode-Omu, accreditation commenced without any problem. Voters conducted themselves well.

09:04am

Voters at their polling units

07:10am

Oyetola, Adeleke Go Head to Head as Osun State Votes

*PDP claims APC planning to rig election

*INEC promises free, fair poll

*Police deploy 21,000; NSCDC positions 11,226 men

Charles Ajunwa in Lagos, Chuks Okocha and Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

After weeks of acrimonious campaigns, the people of Osun State will today decide whether Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should continue for another four years or elect a new man to succeed him.
Fifteen political parties are fielding candidates for today’s election, but it is evidently a straight fight between Oyetola and Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This would be the second time the two candidates would be meeting. Both Oyetola and Adeleke contested for the Osun governorship position in 2018, which Oyetola won after a rerun.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured the people of a free and fair poll and spent most of yesterday moving sensitive voting materials to the 332 registration areas across the 30 local government areas of the state.
The election umpire restated its readiness to announce the result in less than 12 hours after the poll.
The two leading political parties are desperate to win today’s contest to signpost readiness to dominate the 2023 elections.
To underpin the importance of the poll, the presidential candidate of the APC, Bola Tinubu led a final campaign for Oyetola last Tuesday. He was accompanied by party chieftains like the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, vice presidential candidate, Kashim Shettima and several APC governors.
The PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar also led a powerful campaign team to the state on Thursday assuring the people that Adeleke is sure of victory in the poll, and that “an end has come to the reign of the ruling APC” in the country.
Atiku was accompanied by the National Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu; Vice-presidential candidate of the party and Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa; former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and some governors of the PDP.
For most of yesterday, tension remained very high across Osun State, with voters bitterly divided among the two leading candidates.
Fear of violence was palpable, considering the rancorous campaigns before the poll.
The allegations by the PDP that the APC was working to rig the poll dominated discussion across the state.

Police Deploy 21,000 Operatives
The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba has assured Nigerians that today’s poll would be violence-free.
Baba, who spoke last Tuesday, said to accomplish the task, no fewer than 21,000 operatives would be deployed across the state.
Baba warned that the police would not allow any person or group of persons, no matter how highly and lowly placed in the society to derail the electoral process, and vowed that “vote-buying or any form of inducement would not be allowed as they remained serious offences.”
The IG adds: “The police will be deployed to protect the facilities of INEC and its personnel. This deployment is not meant to intimidate any law-abiding citizens; rather it is to deter misguided elements that may threaten the conduct of the election and violate the electoral act. It also serves as a strong warning that government is determined to protect the citizens.”
The IG has also deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, DIG Johnson Kokumo, for the governorship election.
Also deployed to the state are four Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, four Commissioners of Police, 15 Deputy Commissioners of Police, and 30 Assistant Commissioners of Police.
Baba also moved the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Olawale Olokode (temporarily) to the Force Headquarters until the conclusion of the election.

NSCDC deploys 11,226
Similarly, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ahmed Audi, has deployed 11,226 officers and men to cover the 3,763 polling units, collation centres, flash points, as well as critical national assets and infrastructure during today’s poll.
The deployed personnel were drawn from the national headquarters and nine state commands; Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Kogi and Edo to supply manpower for the election.
The NSCDC said the objectives of the corps in the election were to create a secured environment for its successful conduct and enhance the general security in the state before, during and after the election.

Oyetola and Adeleke
The leading candidates for today’s poll remain Oyetola and Adeleke.
Oyetola, who is seeking reelection for a second term, enjoys the privileges that come with being incumbent. He is also enjoying the perks of ‘federal might’ and the backing of Tinubu.
His chances in today’s poll has been brightened by his good relationship with Osun civil servants. Unlike his predecessor who owed salaries for months, Oyetola has been consistent with salary payment and also improved the welfare of the civil servants. All of these, pundits argue, will work in his favour.
However, the cold war between Oyetola and Rauf Aregbesola, his predecessor, may reduce the former’s votes in LGAs controlled by the latter.
The disharmony within the party left it with factions – the Ileri Oluwa group is loyal to Oyetola while TOP pledges allegiance to Aregbesola.
Notwithstanding, Oyetola stands a very good chance of getting a second term today.
Adeleke, the “dancing senator”, says he is determined to recover his “stolen mandate” from the APC. He is in the race with a big war chest. He also has a broad support base.
A lot of people from Adeleke’s Osun West Senatorial District, which is yet to produce a governor since the fourth republic, are agitated. Adeleke will gain from this, but may not be enough to make him governor.
The crisis in Osun PDP may also affect Adeleke’s chances. The party is also divided into factions. One is recognised by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) while the other is backed by Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a former governor of the state, whose political sway in the state cannot be overlooked.

Strengths on Senatorial Basis
Oyetola looks good to win Osun Central where he is from. Besides, many prominent Osun political stakeholders are from this senatorial zone, and they belong to the APC. They include former governor, Chief Bisi Akande and the current Senator, Ajibola Basiru, who is also the Oyetola campaign chairman. Osun Central is good-to-go for Oyetola.
Adeleke is from Osun West, with Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi of the Accord Party. Here, Adeleke will have an upper hand, but not enough to make him governor. Oyetola will still get substantial votes here.
In Osun East, Adeleke will benefit greatly from the influence of Francis Fadahunsi, the Senator representing the area, who is a PDP member. Oyetola’s good performance during his first term will give him victory in Osun East.

INEC Chairman Charges Staff on Good Conduct
The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu yesterday charged the staff of the Commission to remain neutral and repeat the transparent conduct exhibited in Ekiti State governorship election four weeks ago.
In a statement he signed, the INEC chairman, said: “Exactly 27 days ago, we conducted and concluded the Ekiti Governorship Election that was widely adjudged to be free, fair, credible, and inclusive.
“The feat was happily an elongation of the earlier successes recorded in Edo and Ondo states on 15th September and 10th October 2020, and in Anambra State on 6th November 2021. The sheer determination, resilience, and competence displayed by all of you, our members of staff, made it possible for the Commission to achieve these lofty goals.”
He reminded the staff of the commission of the need to maintain the same impartial conduct exhibited in the other states.
Yakubu said: “I have assured our stakeholders and the people of Osun State that the Commission will not do anything to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate. We have made adequate arrangements for the election. We have promised a level playing field for all. The security agencies have assured us of safety.
“The people of Osun State and Nigerians will understandably hold us to our promise on election day. They will observe our attitude and behaviour from the opening to the closing of polls. They will particularly observe our management of the election results and measure the extent of our adherence to the extant laws through every stage of the electoral process.
“I appeal to you to uphold our Code of Conduct, display your usual sense of commitment and professionalism, remain above board and firmly resist any unethical behaviour. You must also stick to the Oath of Neutrality to which we have all subscribed. I have the confidence in your ability to consolidate on our recent successes.”

PDP Claims APC Planning to Rig Election
The PDP yesterday alleged an orchestrated plot by the APC “to derail the nascent democratic process by compromising the integrity and sabotaging the will and desire of the people for a free, fair, transparent and credible electoral process” in today’s election in Osun State.
The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba alleged that the APC had accentuated its rigging programme by deploying billions of naira to compromise some security and electoral officers to intimidate voters, manipulate electoral process and inordinately favour Oyetola, against the will of the people.
The PDP alleged that huge money had been funneled to certain compromised security and INEC officials “to execute this ignoble scheme.”
According to the PDP, “the said INEC and security officials are reported to have been bought over to, among other things, criminally assist and provide cover for APC agents to prosecute a well-oiled vote buying and violence-triggering scheme.”
Ologunagba adds. “Our Party has information on how two prominent APC governors from the South-west, a former APC National Chairman from the South-south, certain federal minister and a particular member of the House of Assembly from Lagos State are coordinating the release of billions of naira to bribe electoral and security officials, as well as fund heavily armed thugs imported from Lagos, Ondo, Ogun and other South-west states to unleash violence and help the APC to rig the election.”
The PDP said that it had however been made aware that some patriotic INEC and Police officials vehemently rejected the poisonous offer by the APC.
The PDP called on the IG and Yakubu “to take immediate decisive steps to check the activities of police and INEC officials deployed to Osun State so as to avert a breakdown of Law and Order, especially given the manifest determination of the people of Osun State to resist the APC on its evil scheme.”