Osun 2026: Voters turn out early in Adeleke’s hometown

On Saturday, residents of Ede, the hometown of Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, flocked to polling stations to participate in the ongoing gubernatorial election. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that voters began arriving at their designated polling units as early as 6:40 a.m., eagerly waiting for the Election Integrity Commission (INEC) officials to confirm their identities and confirm their eligibility to cast their votes.

Security personnel were stationed at various checkpoints throughout Ede North and Ede South Local Government Areas to ensure smooth vehicular movement, in compliance with a police-imposed restriction order. Local election observers were also present in some polling stations, diligently monitoring the proceedings as the election day commenced.

The Osun Speaker's residence, a significant political venue, was surrounded by armed personnel, reflecting the heightened security measures in anticipation of the event. Despite the early turnout, some polling stations were still in the process of displaying the names of eligible voters, highlighting the meticulous nature of the verification process.

The election, which is part of Osun's gubernatorial race, has been marred by allegations of vote-buying, further intensifying the political climate. In a separate development, Nigerian musician Davido alleged that soldiers had obstructed his attempt to enter Osun, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding political scenario.