Osun 2026 Election: Voter Turnout Early, Strong Security in Osogbo, Ede, Ilesa

The Osun governorship election started off peacefully on Saturday. There was a strong security presence around polling units in various parts of the state.

Reporters from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) watched the election in Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Ede North, Boripe, and Osogbo local government areas. Voters began showing up as early as 6:45 a.m. at some polling units they visited.

At Ward D1, Unit 8 in Ilesa West, INEC officials were present. Voters were checking their names on the voters' list that was posted.

The presiding officer, Segun Adegbaju, shared that he and other officials got there by 6:59 a.m. In Ward 8, Unit 3 of the same council area, many voters were also checking their names. INEC ad hoc staff were available there as well.

Cestus Akilolu, the assistant presiding officer, informed voters that accreditation and voting would start at 8:30 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m. He urged everyone to stay orderly and assured them that the process would be peaceful.

In Ward 4, Unit 6 of Ede North Local Government Area, INEC ad hoc staff arrived early. Voters also showed up early for the election. In Ward 4, Unit 6, Abere, Ede North, voters were seen as early as 7 a.m. checking their names with INEC ad hoc staff present.

At Ward 4, Unit 13 in Osogbo Local Government Area, voters arrived as early as 6:50 a.m., waiting for electoral officials and voting materials. Voters in Ward 3, Unit 16, Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area, were also waiting for electoral officials to arrive.

Some voters expressed their satisfaction with the early arrival of INEC ad hoc staff at the polling units. At the time of this report, voting had not yet started at some polling units, as it was set to begin at 8:30 a.m.

A heavy presence of security agents was noted in all places visited and around the polling units.