The local government elections in Osun State on Saturday saw a low turnout of voters, with reports of missing electoral officials at several polling units. Despite the exercise being scheduled to hold across the state, many polling stations remained empty in the early hours of the election.
Reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) showed that in several areas of Osogbo, the state capital, polling units lacked both voters and officials of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC). Locations such as Ogo-Oluwa, Alekunwodo, Olaiya, and Oja-Oba had no visible electoral activities as of 9:15 a.m.
Additionally, voter lists were not displayed at some polling units, further complicating the process for those who turned up to vote.
However, some voting did take place in Units 18, 19, and 20 of Ward 4, Ataoja D, where electoral officers were present, and voters participated in the election.
Governor’s Movement Restriction Ignored
Governor Ademola Adeleke had announced a restriction on vehicular movement from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. to ensure a smooth election process. However, compliance was low, as free movement of vehicles was observed across the state.
Despite the unrestricted movement, police officers mounted roadblocks along major roads in an effort to maintain security.
Ile-Ife, Ede Experience Different Turnout Levels
The situation was similar in Ile-Ife, where most polling units lacked electoral officials and voters. However, business activities in the town were largely affected, as shops, markets, and shopping malls remained closed throughout the day.
In contrast, Ede, the hometown of Governor Adeleke, saw a relatively better turnout of voters. In some polling units, OSSIEC officials and ad hoc staff attended to voters. At Obalaoye Grammar School, Unit 2, Ward 4, some voters were seen in a queue as early as 8:00 a.m., waiting to cast their votes.
At Oloba Atapara Ward 1, Unit 6, a small number of voters participated in the election, with accreditation and voting taking place.
Voters Express Satisfaction Despite Challenges
Some voters who participated in the election commended the process, describing it as peaceful.
Mr. Nifemi Akingbala, a voter in Ede, praised the electoral commission for maintaining order.
“The process has been peaceful so far. I encourage all eligible voters to come out and cast their votes without fear,” he said.
Another voter, Mrs. Aminat Idowu, also shared her experience, stating that she was able to vote at 8:20 a.m.
“I am happy with the way the election is being conducted. Everything has been peaceful,” she said.
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Early Conclusion of Voting in Some Areas
In some polling units, voting was completed earlier than expected. At Alajue 1, Unit 8, voting ended at 8:56 a.m., with Presiding Officer Emmanuel Olayiwola confirming that the process began at 8:30 a.m. and was peaceful.
Similarly, at 150A Station Road, Ward 8, Unit 6, the presiding officer, John Olawale, reported that voting ended at 8:30 a.m.
“We have now started sorting out the votes for counting,” Olawale stated.
NAN also observed that in several polling units, elections were concluded early, with officials beginning the collation of results.
State Speaker Casts His Vote, Urges Electoral Integrity
The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, participated in the election at Unit 5, Ward 9, Asi, in Odo-Otin Local Government Area.
After casting his vote, Egbedun praised OSSIEC for organizing a peaceful election and lauded voters for their participation.
“I commend the electoral body for conducting a peaceful election. The people have come out to vote, and I assure them that the results will reflect their will,” he said.
Despite the challenges, including low voter turnout and missing electoral officers in many areas, the election was largely peaceful. However, concerns remain over the effectiveness of the process, given the absence of key election officials in many polling units.