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▼Swiss Government Election Observer Commends Peaceful Conduct of Osun Poll
By Lateefah Ibrahim, Sekinat Salam, Sherifdeen Babatunde and Samson Adebimpe
A Swiss government election observer, Ambassador Jim Okolo has commended the peaceful conduct of the ongoing Osun State governorship election, describing the process as impressive and encouraging.
Okolo, who is the National Coordinator of Novel Perspective International, said the election had so far recorded a commendable level of compliance with electoral guidelines while security arrangements across the areas monitored had remained effective.
Speaking after observing the exercise in different parts of the state, Okolo said the areas he visited were peaceful and orderly, adding that the positive conduct of voters was an indication of progress in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Okolo made the remarks in an interview with Voice of Nigeria while monitoring Ward 9, Unit 4, Naira and Kobo, Irewole Local government, Ikire, Osun State.
He particularly praised the voter turnout, describing it as “quite impressive” and encouraging.
According to him, the observation team had not recorded any major security incident in the polling areas visited, noting that security personnel were visible and the voting process was generally orderly.
“The security is good. We have not seen any incident. Nothing. Everything is quite in order,” he said.
Okolo said the conduct of the election in the areas observed had largely reflected established electoral guidelines and what he described as global electoral standards.
He noted that the experience provided useful lessons for future elections, particularly the 2027 general elections, stressing the need for electoral authorities and other stakeholders to build on the progress recorded.
The observer, however, identified some logistical challenges, including fuel availability, which he said required greater attention ahead of larger elections.
He also called for increased public voter education to ensure that citizens were adequately informed about electoral procedures and their responsibilities before and during elections.
Okolo urged political actors to sustain the peaceful atmosphere witnessed during the Osun election, saying the experience should serve as an example for future electoral contests.
He said strengthening voter education, improving logistics and maintaining effective security would further enhance public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
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▼EU Observers Report Peaceful, Inclusive Osun Poll
By Mercy Chukwudiebere and Taiwo Ojedele, Osogbo
The European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria Election Observation Hub has described the ongoing Osun State governorship election as generally peaceful, orderly and inclusive, with impressive voter turnout recorded across polling units.
The observation hub, comprising the Centre for Media and Society, International Press Centre, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, TAF Africa, Yiaga Africa and the Kukah Centre, deployed 823 accredited observers across the 30 Local Government Areas of the state to monitor the electoral process.
Presenting the hub’s preliminary statement on Saturday, the Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Mr Lanre Arogundade, said the observers assessed the opening of polls, accreditation, voting, voter participation and the overall election environment.
According to the preliminary statement, the election is being conducted across 3,763 polling units, with 15 candidates sponsored by 15 political parties participating in the contest.
It said Osun has 2,339,233 registered voters, out of which 1,906,390, representing 81.50 per cent, collected their Permanent Voter Cards and were eligible to vote.
The observers also reported substantial readiness at polling units, noting that officials with complete sensitive and non-sensitive election materials were present in 726 of the 823 polling units observed.
The observers also assessed the functionality and performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System as part of the accreditation process, alongside the availability of election personnel and materials.
The assessment further highlighted broad voter participation, particularly among women, Persons with Disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
The Observers reported that women accounted for about 59 per cent of voters in the polling units observed, while Persons with Disabilities constituted more than 70 per cent of voters in designated disability-focused polling units.
The hub also noted that women constituted 36 per cent of polling officials in the 12 designated Persons with Disabilities polling units observed, reflecting significant participation in the electoral process.
On election security, the observers reported an average deployment of three security personnel at the polling units observed and described their conduct as professional.
The hub said the security presence contributed to maintaining an orderly environment and facilitating the smooth conduct of voting across the areas covered by its observers.
The observers further reported that voter turnout was impressive, with the electoral environment generally calm across the polling units monitored.
The preliminary statement was based on reports from stationary and roving observers deployed across the state and covered the opening of polls, accreditation, voting and the wider election environment.
The hub said its observers would remain deployed to monitor the counting, collation and transmission of results and would issue a post-election report after the conclusion of the electoral process.
The observation hub also called on political parties, candidates and voters to refrain from circulating unverified results ahead of INEC’s pronouncements.
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▼KDI Rates Bimodal Voter Accreditation 84.7%
By Yinka Salaam, Mercy Chukwudiebere, Taiwo Ojedele, Chizoba Anuforom and Ibrahim Mustapha, Osogbo
The Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), through its Election Day Data Room, has reported an 84.7 per cent success rate in voter accreditation using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the ongoing Osun State governorship election.
The organisation said this in its preliminary assessment of the election, based on reports received from its accredited observers deployed across the state to monitor the voting process.
Briefing journalists, a lead member of KDI, Professor Abiola Akinyode-Afolabi, said the available data indicated that voting commenced early in most of the polling units covered by its observers.
She said 79.3 per cent of observations recorded the commencement of polling before 8:45 a.m., while a further 19.8 per cent commenced between 8:45 a.m. and 9:59 a.m., indicating that most of the monitored polling units had opened for voting before 10 a.m.
Akinyode-Afolabi also said the timely arrival of election officials was recorded in a significant proportion of the polling units monitored, with 56.1 per cent reporting that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials arrived early or on time.
The assessment also showed that election materials were largely available and intact at the polling units. According to KDI, “98.9 per cent of reports indicated that the materials were in good condition at the time of observation”.
Kimpact said its observers also closely monitored the performance of BVAS, including voter authentication, accreditation processing time, technical functionality and the overall operation of the devices.
It reported that 84.7 per cent of voter accreditation attempts captured by its monitoring system were successful, while 15.3 per cent were unsuccessful.
Providing further insight into the BVAS performance, another KDI member, Professor Ernest Ereke, said a significant number of observed voters were accredited within one to two minutes, indicating that the system was quicker in processing voters at the polling units monitored.
To support its assessment, KDI deployed 370 trained and accredited observers across the 30 Local Government Areas, 332 wards and 1,660 polling units in Osun State.
The deployment included 332 stationary observers assigned to specific polling units, 30 roving observers covering clusters of polling units within designated local government areas, and eight faculty members responsible for senior-level oversight and independent verification of field reports.
According to Akinyode-Afolabi, the preliminary findings were based on information available as of 12 noon on Election Day and should therefore be regarded as an early assessment of the electoral process rather than a final assessment of the election or its outcome.
She said the observers would continue to monitor the process through the close of polls, counting, completion and handling of result forms, electronic results management and collation.
She added that the Election Day Data Room would continue to receive and verify reports from observers as the process progressed, with a comprehensive end-of-day statement expected after the relevant procedures had been completed and the full dataset analysed.
KDI reaffirmed its commitment to providing impartial and evidence-based information on the conduct of the election and urged all stakeholders to maintain a peaceful environment that would enable election officials and other authorised actors to complete voting, counting and collation.
The organisation said its final assessment would provide a more comprehensive picture of the election after all reports had been received, verified and analysed.
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▼NYSC Commends Corps Members’ Conduct at Osun Governorship Election
By Taiwo Ojedele
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has applauded the conduct of corps members serving as ad hoc staff at the ongoing governorship election in Osun State, Southwest Nigeria.
The State Coordinator of the NYSC, Ekenta Kubiangha, gave the commendation while conducting a routine inspection of corps members serving as ad hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the election.
Kubiangha praised the corps members for their patriotism and sacrifice in the service of the nation.
He also assured them of the scheme’s continued support and safety measures throughout the conduct of the polls.
He thanked the media for their support and promised to address any challenges faced by the corps members during the elections.
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▼ADC governorship candidate Najeem Salaam, cast his vote at Ward 4, Unit 13, Ejigbo, Ejigbo Local Government, expressing confidence in victory once the results are tallied.
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▼11. 35 a.m. Oyetola at His Polling Unit in Iragbiji
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola, addresses journalists immediately after casting his vote at his ward 1, unit 1 in Iragbiji axis of Osun State. He commended the security agencies, INEC officials, and the impressive turnout of voters for the election
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▼11.31 a.m. Come out and vote, no cause for alarm — Senator Fadahunsi tells voters
By Timothy Agbor, Osogbo
A Senator representing Osun East in the National Assembly, Francis Fadahunsi, has urged the people of the state to troop out and vote in the ongoing election.
Fadahunsi voted at about 10:48 am at NUD Primary School, Collation Centre, Unit 1, Ward 4, Ilase Ijesa, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State.
Addressing journalists after casting his ballot, the embattled senator, who had been criticised for alleged incitement, expressed satisfaction at the turnout in his polling unit. He, however, urged more voters to troop out and cast their vote.
He said, “Please, come out, there is no cause for alarm.
“The turnout is encouraging; people are still coming out. For now, I am impressed with the turnout, but if they don’t come out more than this, I am not okay. So, people should be encouraged to come out. They should go in and bring their people. You people should encourage them to vote; there is no cause for alarm,” he told journalists when asked to assess the turnout.
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▼APC Candidate Commends Voter Turnout, Urges Security
By Lateefah Ibrahim, Sekinat Salam, Sherif Babtunde, Samson Adebimpe
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the Osun State election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has commended the large turnout of voters in Ikire, describing it as a demonstration that the electorate is not intimidated by the electoral process.
Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, spoke after casting his vote at ward 9, polling 11 unit in Ikire’
He commended INEC officials, voters and security personnels for the orderliness of the election. He expressed optimism that the election would be credible.
“The INEC are here, voters are here, security operatives are here. I want to commend the large turnout of voters in Ikire. It shows that people are not intimidated and generally, things are going on fine across the state,” Oyebamiji said.
However, he urged the police and other security agencies to remain proactive, particularly against any possible violence as voting progresses later in the day.
“On possible violence in Ikire later today, I want to admonish the police and other security operatives to be proactive, to ensure security for our people and all the voters,” he said.
The voting process in Ikire, Osun State, has generally been peaceful, with voters turning out in significant numbers and complying with instructions from election officials.
A noticeable turnout of young voters was also recorded, with many choosing to participate in the electoral process rather than engage in their usual weekend activities.
Election officials and security personnel were on ground to guide voters and maintain order as voting continued across the state.
The atmosphere in Ikire remained calm, with the electorate largely focused on exercising their constitutional right to vote.
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▼10:45 a.m. APC Deputy Candidate Adereti Hails Impressive Turnout, Smooth BVAS Operation
The All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate in the ongoing Osun State election, Kayode Adereti, has described the voter turnout as impressive, while commending the security arrangements and smooth operation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Adereti, who spoke after voting at Ward 11, Unit 3 ilare in Ife Central, said the electoral process has been peaceful, with voters turning out in large numbers to exercise their civic responsibility.
He also expressed satisfaction with the performance of the BVAS machines, saying the accreditation process was progressing smoothly and voters appeared satisfied with the conduct of the election.
“The turnout is impressive and the security is perfect. The BVAS is working well, and everyone is happy here,” Adereti said.
The APC candidate urged eligible voters who were yet to cast their ballots to come out and participate in the election, stressing that the future of the state depended on the active participation of its citizens.
“I urge the people of Osun State to come out and vote. We are ready, and the people are ready to make Osun a better place,” he said.
Adereti further appealed to voters to remain peaceful and orderly throughout the electoral process, urging political parties and their supporters to respect the rules and allow the people to freely choose their next governor.
The election is being conducted across the 30 local government areas of the state amid heightened security and keen political interest.
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▼10.45 a.m. The APC Gubernatorial candidate Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji casting his vote at his polling unit of Ward 9, unit 11, Irewole, Ikire.
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▼10.35 a.m. APC Governorship candidate Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji arrives to cast his vote at his polling unit of Ward 9, unit 11, Irewole, Ikire.
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▼Woman With Disability Commends Peaceful Voting Process
A woman living with a disability, Mrs Aminat Akinsola, has commended the ongoing governorship election in Osun State.
Akinsola, who voted at Ward 4, Unit 6, Ilupeju 1, in Ejigbo Local Government Area, said the ad hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) treated her with respect and courtesy.
Akinsola, who was the first voter to be accredited at the polling unit, expressed satisfaction with the voting process and commended the peaceful conduct of the election.
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▼Accord Deputy Governorship Candidate Expresses Confidence, Raises Concern Over Late Arrival of INEC Officials in some areas
The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Accord Party in the Osun State governorship election, Prince Kola Adewusi has expressed optimism that the party will emerge victorious in Saturday’s election.
Adewusi, who spoke while monitoring the conduct of the poll, said adequate security personnel had been deployed to ensure a peaceful exercise across the state.
He, however, raised concerns over the uneven arrival of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials at some polling units, saying while officials arrived early in some areas, the situation was different in others.
According to him, the late arrival of election officials in some polling areas could affect the smooth commencement of voting.
The Accord deputy governorship candidate said he remained confident of victory for his party, stressing that the party had worked hard and enjoyed strong support across the state.
Asked about his expectation from the election, Olawudi said: “We are on the ground. What do you expect me to say? We are winning.”
He expressed confidence that voters would freely exercise their franchise and that the final outcome would reflect the wishes of the electorate.
Adewusi also urged voters to remain peaceful and conduct themselves responsibly throughout the voting and collation processes.
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▼Peaceful Voting as Security Personnel Maintain Order in Ede North
By Ibrahim Mustapha
Voting is progressing calmly and peacefully at Ward 2, Unit 7, in Ede North, as residents turn out to exercise their civic responsibility in the ongoing Osun State governorship election.
Voters were seen patiently waiting in orderly queues, while electoral officials continue with the accreditation and voting exercise. The atmosphere was peaceful, with the citizens focused on exercising their franchise.
A notable feature of the exercise is the respect being accorded to elderly voters, particularly aged women who have come out to vote. Younger voters and officials are showing consideration, ensuring that the elderly are treated with dignity and allowed to participate comfortably.
The Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are maintaining a visible presence at the polling environment, helping to protect voters, safeguard the electoral process and ensure peaceful conduct throughout the exercise.
A voter, Marouf Abduwahid, commended the security personnel for their efforts, describing their presence as reassuring and important to maintaining peace and order at the polling unit.
As voting continues in Ede North, the calm atmosphere, orderly conduct and cooperation among voters, electoral officials and security personnel offer an encouraging picture of peaceful democratic participation.
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▼Young Voters Put Football Aside to Vote in Ikire
By Sekinat Salam, Osun
Voting is underway in Osun State, South-West Nigeria, as residents turn out to elect their next governor.
In Ikire, a town in Irewole Local Government Area, some young voters have put aside their usual election-day football activities, choosing instead to cast their ballots in an election they believe could shape their future and development.
Unlike previous election days, when some youths in the community would gather to play or watch football, several young voters told VON they had chosen to vote because they believe the outcome could influence their future, employment opportunities and development.
For these young voters, the election is more than a choice of governor. It is an opportunity to have a voice in decisions that affect their daily lives and aspirations.
Similarly, the atmosphere is calm and peaceful, with voters turning out in significant numbers to exercise their civic responsibility in the governorship election.
At the AUD School, Unit 3, Ward 9, VON’s correspondent observed a strong turnout, as voters queued for accreditation.
At Unit 11, Ward 9, an open space near Gantry Sawmill, the accreditation process proceeded smoothly, with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, functioning effectively.
Electoral officials were on ground to guide voters through the accreditation and voting process, while voters generally complied with instructions at the polling units.
A striking feature of the exercise was the participation of young people.
Elderly voters and persons living with disabilities were also given priority at the polling units, supporting efforts to promote inclusive participation in the electoral process.
As voting continues, security personnel and electoral officials remain on ground, while voters await the close of polls, counting and announcement of results at their respective polling units.
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▼9.30 a.m. Voters patiently on queue at Ward 9, unit 11, Ikire 1.
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▼9.05 a.m. Elderly voters considered first before others at Irewole Ikire 1, Reg. No. 09, Atile AUD Polling Unit.
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▼Governor’s Hometown Ede Records Large Turnout
By Mercy Chukwudiebere and Taiwo Ojedele, Osogbo
The ongoing Osun State governorship election has so far remained peaceful, with a strong turnout of voters recorded across polling units visited.
A visit to Ward 2, Unit 9, Sagba-Abogunde, in Ede West Local Government Area, the polling unit of Governor Ademola Adeleke, showed a calm atmosphere as voters arrived in large numbers to exercise their franchise.
Voters were seen in orderly queues, moving through the accreditation and voting process without disruption, while electoral officials attended to the electorate.
There was also a heavy presence of security personnel around the polling area, with operatives maintaining order and providing security for voters and other participants as the exercise continued.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking re-election, arrived at his polling unit and cast his ballot, joining other residents in participating in the election.
Speaking after voting, Adeleke urged voters to remain peaceful and allow the electoral process to run its course, stressing the importance of the people exercising their democratic rights.
The Governor had also, ahead of the election, encouraged residents to come out in large numbers to participate in the exercise, urging them to vote peacefully.
His arrival at the polling unit attracted attention from voters and residents, but the atmosphere remained calm as the voting process continued.
The large turnout recorded at the polling unit reflects significant interest in the election, with men, women, young people and elderly voters turning out to participate.
Women and elderly voters were particularly visible, with many arriving at their polling units as early as 6:00 a.m. to exercise their franchise.
Seventy-six-year-old Buhari Owolabi, one of the early voters at Abogunde/Sagba Unit 002 in Ede North, said he was prepared to wait for as long as necessary to cast his ballot.
The strong voter participation is also evident in the orderly queues observed at polling units visited, with voters patiently waiting for their turn.
The election is attracting considerable attention as the last off-cycle governorship election before the 2027 general elections, with its conduct expected to provide important lessons for the country’s electoral process ahead of 2027. President Bola Tinubu had similarly urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to use the Osun election as a test of its preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
The experience of the election, including voter participation, security, the conduct of electoral officials and the peaceful acceptance of the outcome, is therefore being closely watched by political stakeholders and observers including the European Union.
Across the polling locations visited so far, there has been no major disruption to the voting process. Security personnel remain on ground, while voters continue to queue and participate peacefully.
As voting progresses, the situation remains calm, with strong voter participation and visible security presence at the locations visited.
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▼8.30 a.m. Governor Adeleke Arrives to Cast His Vote
By Ibrahim Mustapha Lagos
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has arrived at Ward 2, Unit 9, Sagba-Abogunde, his polling unit, to exercise his franchise in the ongoing governorship election.
The Governor arrived at exactly 8:30 a.m., amid keen interest from voters, party supporters and election observers at the polling centre.
Adeleke is expected to cast his ballot shortly as accreditation and voting continue across the state.
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▼7.30 a.m. INEC in attendance at Ward 4, Unit 6, Abere, Ede North, as voters check for their names.
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▼7.15 a.m. Voters await electoral officers at ward 3, unit 16 ward 3 Iragbiji Boripe local government, the hometown of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. Voters arrived polling unit before electoral officers.
