There was a large turnout of voters in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State, on Saturday, as residents trooped out to participate in the governorship election.
Voters arrived at various polling units as early as 7am, with many checking the voters’ registers displayed at the centres ahead of accreditation and voting.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had also arrived at the polling units before 7am and commenced preparations for the exercise.
Security operatives were deployed across the town, with unarmed police officers stationed at polling centres, while armed personnel, soldiers and patrol vehicles were positioned at strategic locations.
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Despite the security presence, the election environment remained largely peaceful.
As of 8:20am, vehicular movement was still observed along the Ife-Ibadan Road, which passes through Ikire. Motorcycles and some vehicles were also seen moving around the town.
Some shops remained open as residents went about their activities while awaiting the commencement of accreditation and voting.
Ikire is the hometown of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who is expected to cast his ballot at Ward 9, Unit 3, AUD School, Atile, in Irewole Local Government Area.
The large turnout in the town came as voters across Osun State participated in the governorship election to elect the next governor of the state.
