FULL LIST: 19 Osun LGs where Adeleke recorded highest votes

Ademola Adeleke, the incumbent Osun State Governor and candidate for the Accord Party, has taken a significant lead in the state's governorship election. As of the latest announcements, Adeleke has secured victory in 19 out of the 30 local government areas (LGAs) where results have been collated.

The main challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has won in the remaining 11 LGAs. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation center in Osogbo is awaiting the completion of the exercise, after which the state's Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, is expected to make the final declaration.

Adeleke's strongest performances were observed in his traditional strongholds, including Ede North, Osogbo, Ede South, and Iwo. For instance, in Ede North, he garnered 35,427 votes compared to the APC's 10,283. Similarly, in Osogbo, Adeleke received 36,480 votes against Oyebamiji's 30,474.

The APC candidate, Oyebamiji, found success in several areas where the party traditionally holds substantial support. These include Ilesa East, Boripe, Irepodun, and Obokun. In Ilesa East, the APC polled 16,208 votes, surpassing Adeleke's 12,280. The race was particularly close in Boluwaduro, where Adeleke narrowly defeated Oyebamiji with 7,118 votes to 7,050.

The preliminary outcome aligns with trends observed during the collation process, where Adeleke established an early lead. The election featured the Accord Party, APC, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the leading contenders. The ADC, however, recorded significantly lower vote counts across the board.