Osun State Residents Share Election Day Hopes for Peaceful Voting

Osun State will hold its governorship election on Saturday. There is a lot of political tension, increased security, and worries about violence that have shaped what residents expect from the polls.

The election features 15 candidates and has seen fierce political competition, accusations of intimidation, and recent incidents of violence.

The candidates include the current governor, Ademola Adeleke, running for the Accord Party; Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate and former Commissioner for Finance; and Najeem Salaam, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) flagbearer.

Pre-election Updates

In the days leading up to the election, several events have affected residents' views and expectations. On August 8, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Adesina Adeyemi-Doro, withdrew from the race, endorsing Mr Oyebamiji. His name will still appear on the ballot.

Also, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) approved the inclusion of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate after a court order, raising the total number of candidates to 15.

Despite these developments, worries about violence remain high, especially due to Osun's history of electoral violence. As of July, police reported that around 30 people had died from politically related or pre-election violence in the state.

Tensions rose further after Francis Fadahunsi, the senator for Osun East, allegedly told APC supporters at a rally in Ilesa to kill members of the rival Accord Party, the governor’s party. The governor's campaign team, the Imole Campaign Council, called for Fadahunsi's arrest, and he is reportedly under police investigation.

Earlier, the Adeleke campaign accused the police of intimidating and arresting its supporters, claims the police have denied. The campaign council reported that more than 60 of its leaders and members were in police detention and petitioned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) over these arrests.

Beyond the political rivalry, these events have left many residents worried about their safety and the credibility of the upcoming polls.

In separate interviews with PREMIUM TIMES, Osun residents expressed that the increased security presence has brought some calm. Still, they called on political leaders, security agencies, and electoral officials to guarantee a peaceful, transparent, and credible election.

Calls for Peace

Reacting to the situation and the heavy security presence, Osun residents are calling for a peaceful, free, and fair governorship election. They urged political parties, candidates, security officials, and electoral bodies to ensure voters can cast their votes without intimidation.

For many residents, voting in Saturday's election is about more than just picking a candidate. It is also about whether they can safely go to polling units, cast their votes, and return home without harm.

Dolapo Omoniyi, a commercial transport dealer, noted that political violence has decreased recently, especially with more security personnel deployed across the state.
"We realised political violence has reduced, especially since the arrival of heavy security here in Osogbo," Mr Omoniyi said.
He hopes the next administration will improve the tough economic situation in the state.
"We hope things will get better after the election because things are currently difficult. We are just trying our best; even this transport business is not as lucrative as before," he said.

Folashade Adesina, a trader and caterer, emphasized the need for a peaceful and credible election. She encouraged residents to vote in large numbers.
"I only implore all stakeholders to let everything be peaceful and fair in the Saturday election, and people should go out massively to vote for candidates of their choice," Adesina said.

She urged political parties and their supporters to accept the election results peacefully, no matter who wins.
"All the politicians are of the same caucus. I am a caterer, and I cooked for them; they all eat at the same table. It is only their supporters that allow violence to divide them," she said.

Abiodun Olawale, a resident of Ogo-Oluwa, said his main expectation is for the election to happen without violence.
"The families of these politicians are not even in Osun State during this period, but if things go sour, it will only affect the residents," he said.
He also urged INEC to ensure transparency throughout the voting and counting processes.
"INEC officials should also carry out their roles in all sincerity to make sure our votes count. They should not allow anybody to steal our ballot materials. They should count our votes in our presence," Mr Olawale said.

Adura Oluwapelumi, a commercial motorcyclist, voiced concern about past political violence but noted that the increased security presence has helped restore calm.
"The political violence in the previous days was displeasing, but we appreciate that security officials are now moving around the state, and things are now seeming peaceful here in Osogbo," Oluwapelumi said.

He expects the government to let security agencies do their jobs properly and keep the heightened security throughout the election.
"As a commercial motorcyclist in the state, I will follow whoever wins in the election. We only hope they will make life easy for us," he said.

Samuel Omotosho, from Egbedore Local Government Area, said this election feels different from past ones.
He noted that the preparations of the two major parties have added to the tension, with one treating the election like a battle.
Omotosho called for neutrality from security agencies at polling units and for eligible voters to be allowed to vote freely.
He supports the current administration, believing Mr Adeleke has done well and deserves to continue.
"I am not talking as a politician. The incumbent governor is working well, and we want continuity in Osun State. We do not want anything to disturb us here in Osun State," he said.

He added that some projects delivered by the government have benefitted residents and should be continued.

Security Presence

Residents have mixed feelings. Some say the heavy presence of security has given them confidence to vote. Others feel the recent killings and attacks have left many afraid to participate in the election.
Okunola Opeyemi said security at his polling unit has eased his worries and made him determined to vote.
"I will go and vote because where I will be voting, there will be police, soldiers, and other security personnel. So, if anything happens, they will arrest the person," he said.

Opeyemi advised voters to avoid confrontations and follow the rules at polling units.
"Just vote for who you want and go home. Don’t look for trouble," he said.
He urged voters to stay orderly and respect the voting process.
"Be in your queue. If it is your turn, proceed to vote for your choice. Where you want to vote, the police and other security personnel will be there, so there should be no trouble," he said.

But not everyone feels as confident as Opeyemi.
Daniel Olapoye, another Osogbo resident, said the violence reported across the state has created fear among people and could stop some from voting.
"It is what we have seen. The trouble we have witnessed up till now is making everybody afraid to go and vote," he said.

He questioned why people should risk their lives for an election when political leaders will move on after the violence.
"If someone dies now, the politicians will continue with their lives," he said, adding that he hopes for a peaceful election.
"May the election go peacefully," he added.

Abdullahi Imran said the tension surrounding the election makes prayer as important as voting.
"It has been bad news since the campaign started. Let us just keep praying to God because, with all the violence we have been hearing, we are not at peace," he said.
His comments show the anxiety felt by many due to reports of violence leading up to the election.

‘We Must Vote Despite Our Fear’

Oluwasheju Abayomi, a PoS operator, said staying away from the election due to fear means giving up an important right.
He encouraged residents to vote for candidates they believe can lead the state and not let violence stop them.
"We can’t just say we won’t vote because of what is going on. We must vote because it is our right," he said.

He stressed that voters should follow their beliefs and not be swayed by intimidation.
"We need to go and vote for whoever we want. Nobody can say we should not vote. It is our right," he said.

Residents also spoke against politicians trying to bribe voters with money or gifts.
Opeyemi urged voters to resist such offers and choose freely at the ballot box.
"They should vote for their own choice. They should not allow anyone to give them little money or gifts to influence their vote," he said.

His view highlights concerns about whether voters can make independent choices despite economic challenges and reports of financial inducements during elections.
For those interviewed, the main priority is straightforward: getting through election day safely.
Their responses show a state caught between fear and determination. They are aware of the risks from violence but refuse to let go of their right to choose who governs Osun State.
As voters prepare to head to polling units on Saturday, their greatest hope is that the promised security presence will lead to a peaceful election, allowing them to vote without fear.