Osun Governorship Election Underway Amidst Tight Security and Voter Turnout

Voters in Nigeria's Osun state began gathering at polling stations on Saturday, August 15, 2026, for the governorship election. In Iragbiji, the hometown of Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, residents arrived as early as 7:15 AM, waiting for electoral officers to open the booths.

Major roads in the state capital, Osogbo, were deserted as the election commenced. Security agencies were strategically positioned to enforce movement restrictions and prevent potential violence. Most polling units were being set up for an 8:00 AM start.

The contest has largely narrowed to a two-horse race between the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Other candidates are also participating.

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Ensure peaceful, transparent election

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to guarantee a peaceful and transparent election, emphasizing that the people's will should prevail. The Nigeria Police Force implemented a 42-hour movement restriction from midnight Friday to 6:00 PM Saturday to ensure order.

Osun state has 2,339,233 registered voters, with 1,906,390 having collected their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs). INEC figures show Osogbo has the largest electorate with 167,704 voters, followed by Ife East and Olorunda. Nearly half of the state's registered voters are concentrated in just 10 of the 30 local government areas.

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Let ballot, not violence decide