The local government elections held in Osun on Saturday experienced a significant lack of voter participation.
Correspondents from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observed during their monitoring that many polling units were without the presence of ad hoc staff from the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC).
In Osogbo, polling locations in areas such as Ogo-Oluwa, Alekunwodo, Olaiya, and Oja-Oba were largely empty, with no voters, OSSIEC personnel, or security agents on-site as of 9:15 AM. NAN also noted that the voters’ register was not displayed at several of the polling units visited.
Despite the low turnout, election activities did proceed in units 18, 19, and 20, ward 4, Ataoja D.
Governor Ademola Adeleke had issued an order to restrict vehicular movement across the state from 5 AM to 5 PM, but this guideline appeared to be largely ignored, as roads remained open to traffic. Although police set up roadblocks on major roads, free movement continued.
In Ile-Ife, a similar absence of voters and OSSIEC ad-hoc staff was evident in some polling locations, while local markets and shops were largely closed.
Conversely, in Ede, the governor’s hometown, the situation showed some improvement. Voters were observed at several polling units, where OSSIEC staff were actively assisting them. At Obalaoye Grammar School in unit 2, ward 4, some voters queued as early as 8:00 AM to cast their ballots. Additionally, Oloba Atapara Ward 1, unit 6, reported a small number of voters waiting for accreditation and to vote.
Mr. Nifemi Akingbala, a voter, described the process as peaceful and encouraged others to participate without fear. He praised OSSIEC for facilitating a smooth electoral process. Another voter, Mrs. Aminat Idowu, confirmed that she cast her vote at 8:20 AM and echoed sentiments of a peaceful election.
In Alajue 1, ward unit 8, voting concluded by 8:56 AM, with presiding officer Emmanuel Olayiwola noting that the elections began at 8:30 AM and proceeded peacefully.
At another location, 150A Station Road, ward 8, unit 6, voters were also present, and presiding officer John Olawale reported that voting ended at 8:30 AM, with the electoral body beginning to sort the ballots for counting.
NAN observed that many polling units in Ede concluded their voting early, indicating an efficient process where it was implemented.
In related news, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, voted at unit 5, ward 9, Asi in Odo-Otin Local Government Area. Following his voting, he commended OSSIEC for the peaceful conduct of the elections and encouraged the electorate to remain compliant with the law, assuring that the outcomes would reflect the people’s will. He also expressed gratitude to those who made the effort to cast their votes.
