Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Saturday expressed confidence that he would emerge victorious in the state governorship election, urging voters to remain peaceful and protect their votes until the final result is declared.
Adeleke spoke shortly after casting his ballot at Sagba Abogunde Ward 2, Unit 9, in Ede North Local Government Area, where he arrived early in the morning accompanied by a large number of supporters.
The governor arrived at the polling unit at about 8:32 a.m. and was accredited three minutes later by the Presiding Officer before proceeding to cast his vote.
Speaking after voting, Adeleke said he was confident of securing victory in the election, while urging residents across the state to come out in large numbers to exercise their constitutional right to vote.
He described the election as an important opportunity for the people of Osun to decide who would lead the state for the next four years.
Adeleke urged voters not only to cast their ballots but also to remain vigilant throughout the voting, counting and collation processes.
He appealed to the electorate to stay at their polling units and monitor the process in line with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
According to him, protecting the votes cast by the people was as important as participating in the election.
The governor also called on voters and political party supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding throughout the exercise, warning against any action that could threaten the credibility of the poll.
He said the people should allow the electoral process to take its course and ensure that the final outcome reflected the choice of the electorate.
However, Adeleke raised concerns over alleged attempts by some security personnel to interfere with the election in parts of the state.
He claimed that he had received information about a police officer who was allegedly planning to disrupt the electoral process in Ede.
The governor called on the Inspector-General of Police to immediately remove the unnamed officer from the state.
“We also received information about our supporters being scared away in Modakeke and some areas in the state by some police officers to disenfranchise them,” he said.
Adeleke did not provide further details about the alleged police officer or the specific actions he claimed were being planned.
He also warned voters to be alert to the possibility of fake ballot papers being used at some polling units.
The governor urged his supporters and other voters to carefully monitor the voting process and report any suspicious development to the appropriate authorities.
Despite the allegations, Adeleke expressed optimism that the election would be peaceful, credible and reflective of the wishes of the people of Osun.
The election is being closely watched as Adeleke seeks another term in office, with the contest attracting significant attention from major political parties and their supporters.
The governor of the state is seeking to retain his position against his opponents in an election that has been marked by intense political campaigns and strong competition.
The poll also comes against the background of growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Osun seen as an important political battleground in the South-West.
The election is expected to test the strength of the ruling party in the state and the ability of opposition parties to challenge the incumbent administration.
Security has remained a major concern in the build-up to the election, with authorities deploying personnel across the state to maintain law and order and prevent violence.
The police and other security agencies have repeatedly warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against acts capable of disrupting the electoral process.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has also urged voters and political actors to comply with electoral rules and allow its officials to carry out their duties without interference.
Adeleke’s call for voters to remain at their polling units is in line with the broader emphasis on transparency during voting, counting and the announcement of results. However, voters are expected to comply with INEC’s rules and lawful instructions from election officials and security personnel.
The governor’s warning over alleged fake ballot papers is also likely to raise concerns among voters, particularly if such materials are found at polling locations. Any suspected electoral malpractice is expected to be reported to the appropriate electoral and security authorities.
As voting continued across Osun, attention remained focused on voter turnout, the conduct of security personnel, the accreditation and voting process and the eventual counting and collation of results.
Adeleke urged the people of the state to exercise patience and avoid violence, stressing that the election should be allowed to reflect the choice of the electorate.
He maintained that he was confident of victory but called on his supporters not to take the expected outcome for granted.
The governor’s position reflects the competitive nature of the election, with the incumbent seeking to secure another mandate from the people of Osun.
For voters, the immediate challenge is to cast their ballots freely and ensure that the process remains peaceful from the polling units through the collation centres.
Adeleke’s appeal also underscored the importance of protecting the integrity of the election as the state awaits the final outcome.
With voting, counting and collation still underway, the attention of political parties, candidates, observers and residents remains fixed on the conduct of the exercise and whether the final result will reflect the votes cast by the people.