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Registered voters across Osun State will head to the polls today to elect the state’s next governor, with Governor Ademola Adeleke seeking a second term.
More than 1.9 million voters have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says.
Fifteen candidates were initially cleared to contest, but two withdrew on Friday, leaving 13 candidates in the race.
Adeleke, who is seeking re-election on the Accord Party platform, faces his main challenge from APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji and African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam.
Oyebamiji, a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, has received the backing of prominent APC figures, including President Bola Tinubu and former Osun governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
The election comes against a backdrop of political tensions and allegations of violence between supporters of the major parties.
Adeleke’s administration has accused opposition figures and security personnel of attacking and intimidating Accord members, allegations that have been denied by APC figures.
There have also been reports of politically motivated attacks and killings during the campaign period.
The heightened tensions have prompted calls from political actors and civil society groups for a peaceful election and urged security agencies to protect voters and candidates.
The contest is being closely watched as Adeleke seeks to retain control of the state, while the APC attempts to reclaim Osun after losing the 2022 governorship election.
