Osun LG election: Voting commences amidst controversy, boycotts

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Despite initial concerns, the voting process to elect chairmen and councillors across the 30 Local Government Areas of the state, including the Modakeke Area Office, has commenced.

Security personnel were positioned in strategic locations to maintain order.

However, despite the vehicular movement restriction order by the governor, some vehicles and motorcycles were seen on the roads.

The election has been marked by controversy, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) withdrawing from the race, citing a recent Appeal Court judgment. The Allied People’s Movement (APM) and the Labour Party also boycotted the election, alleging electoral fraud and insecurity.

Meanwhile, as of the time of filing this report, elections had concluded in some areas, including Alajue 1, Ward Unit 8; Alajue 1, Ward 4, Unit 20; Alajue 1, Ward 4, Unit 10 (Seventh-Day School); and Polling Units 19 and 20, Ward 4, Osogbo LG.

Speaking after casting his vote in Ede, Governor Ademola Adeleke described President Bola Tinubu as a true democrat with strong democratic credentials, stating that his administration has been supportive and collaborative with the federal government.

The governor also denied a report alleging that he made negative remarks about President Tinubu, dismissing it as fake news. He urged the public and stakeholders to disregard the false publication, emphasizing that he never attacked the president before or during the ongoing local government election process.

Adeleke cast his vote at his ward in Ede on Saturday morning, describing the election as peaceful and in line with due process.

The governor, who arrived at his polling unit in Sagba/Abogunde Ward 2, Unit 9, Ede, was accredited before exercising his civic duty.

He encouraged all eligible voters to participate peacefully, stressing the importance of grassroots democracy and urging citizens to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.