Osun Decides 2026: INEC reports smooth start, 94.5% of polling units opened by 8:30 a.m.

Voting has begun smoothly in Nigeria's Osun State governorship election, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reporting that 94.5% of polling units were open by 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. The commission confirmed all 3,763 polling units were operational by 9 a.m., despite minor delays in 5.5% of them. The Registration Area Centre (RAC) activation was completed 100% by Friday evening, ensuring a timely start to the electoral process.

The election sees 14 candidates vying for the governorship. Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking re-election under the Accord Party. He faces challenges from Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), among others. The contest is largely viewed as a two-party battle between the ruling Accord Party and the APC, despite the number of participating parties.

The election follows the closely watched 2022 contest where Adeleke narrowly defeated the then-incumbent Gboyega Oyetola. Political realignments and concerns over potential violence have preceded this election. The Osun chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which does not have its own candidate, has endorsed Adeleke for re-election.

INEC described the deployment and opening processes as peaceful and orderly. This update from the electoral commission indicates a largely successful commencement of voting, despite the political tensions and the history of a competitive gubernatorial race in the state.

“

The RAC activation and polling unit opening processes were conducted in a peaceful, orderly, and timely manner.