The Osun State local government election on Saturday witnessed a low voter turnout, with several polling units across the state lacking electoral officers, security personnel, and voters.
According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), polling units in Osogbo—including Ogo-Oluwa, Alekuwodo, Olaiya, and Oja-Oba—were deserted as of 9:15 a.m.. Some polling stations also failed to display the voters’ list.
Restricted Movement Order Ignored
Despite Governor Ademola Adeleke’s vehicular movement restriction from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., residents largely ignored the directive, with free movement observed across the state. However, police officers mounted roadblocks along major roads.
Ede Sees More Voter Activity
In Ede, the governor’s hometown, voter participation was slightly higher. Electoral officers were seen attending to votersat Obalaoye Grammar School, Unit 2, Ward 4, and Oloba Atapara Ward 1, Unit 6.
An electorate, Nifemi Akingbala, described the process as peaceful, urging citizens to vote without fear. Another voter, Mrs. Idowu Aminat, confirmed casting her ballot at 8:20 a.m. and praised the election’s smooth conduct.
Elections Ended Early in Many Polling Units
Polling units in various locations concluded voting as early as 8:30 a.m. and 8:56 a.m. John Olawale, a presiding officer at Ward 8, Unit 6, confirmed that sorting and counting of votes had commenced immediately.
Speaker Commends Peaceful Process
Osun State House of Assembly Speaker, Adewale Egbedun, cast his vote at Unit 5, Ward 9, Asi, in Odo-Otin LGA. He applauded OSSIEC for conducting a peaceful election and assured that the results would reflect the people’s will.
While the election process remained peaceful, the low voter turnout and non-compliance with restrictions raised concerns about citizen engagement in the state’s electoral process.
