Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has cast his ballot in the ongoing 2026 governorship election, expressing confidence that he will secure victory while raising concerns over alleged attempts to disrupt voting in parts of the state.
Adeleke voted at Sagba Abogunde Ward 2, Unit 9, in Ede North Local Government Area, after arriving at the polling unit at about 8:32 a.m. He was accompanied by a large number of supporters.
The governor was accredited by the presiding officer at about 8:35 a.m. before proceeding to cast his ballot.
Speaking to reporters shortly after voting, Adeleke urged residents to come out in large numbers and exercise their right to vote, while warning voters to remain vigilant and protect their ballots throughout the electoral process.
He described the election as an opportunity for the people of Osun to determine who would govern the state for the next four years and appealed to voters to remain peaceful and law-abiding during voting and the subsequent collation of results.
Adeleke also urged voters to remain at their polling units and monitor the process in line with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
However, the governor raised an allegation concerning the conduct of some police personnel during the election.
According to Adeleke, he had received information about a particular police officer allegedly planning to disrupt the electoral process in Ede. He called on the Inspector-General of Police to immediately remove the officer from the state.
The governor further alleged that some of his supporters in Modakeke and other parts of Osun had been frightened away from polling units by police officers, describing the development as an attempt to disenfranchise voters.
“We also received information about our supporters being scared away in Modakeke and some areas in the state by some police officers to disenfranchise them,” Adeleke said.
The governor also warned his supporters to be alert to the alleged circulation or use of fake ballot papers at some polling units, urging them not to be deceived during the voting process.
Despite the concerns, Adeleke expressed optimism that the election would remain peaceful, credible and ultimately reflect the choice of the people of Osun.
His comments come as voters across the state participate in the keenly contested governorship election, with attention focused on the conduct of the poll, voter turnout, security arrangements and the eventual collation of results.
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The governor’s warning about alleged police interference and fake ballot papers is likely to heighten scrutiny of the election as voting progresses, although the allegations remain claims made by Adeleke and would require verification from the relevant authorities.
Adeleke’s declaration of confidence also sets the tone for what is expected to be a closely watched battle as the incumbent seeks to retain control of Osun State.
The election is being conducted across the state’s 30 local government areas, with voters expected to determine who will lead the state for the next four years.
