Live updates: INEC declares Adeleke winner of Osun election – The Sun Nigeria
BREAKING: Adeleke declared winner of Osun State governorship election
Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party has been declared winner of the Osun State governorship election, having polled 511,067 votes.
He was declared winner on Sunday morning by the returning officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole.
Bola Oyebamiji of the APC polled 444,815 to come second, while Hon. Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) got 17,180 votes.
Olorunda Local Government
Accord – 23,514
APC – 24,671
ADC – 666
Registered voters – 123,063
Accredited Voters – 51,172
Collation Officer – Prof. Omilana Okoh
Ejigbo Local Government
Accord – 18,458
APC – 16,195
ADC – 5,053
Registered voters – 87,676
Accredited Voters – 41,173
Collation Officer – Prof. Akintayo Cecilia
Ife South Local Government
Accord – 13,507
APC – 14,678
ADC – 290
Registered voters – 66,255
Accredited Voters – 29,521
Collation Officer – Prof. Shitu Olubunmi
Olaoluwa Local Government
Accord – 10,063
APC – 10,782
ADC – 213
Registered voters – 44,761
Accredited Voters – 21,599
Collation Officer – Prof. Temitope Seun Babalola
Isokan Local Government
Accord – 13,765
APC – 14,063
ADC – 384
Registered voters – 65,739
Accredited Voters – 29,421
Collation Officer – Prof. Anthony Fajimi
Ayedaada Local Government
Accord – 16,681
APC – 15,719
ADC – 331
Registered voters – 77,649
Accredited Voters – 34,232
Collation Officer – Prof. Fakayode
Egbedore Local Government
Accord – 19,278
APC – 11,194
ADC – 363
Registered voters – 67,440
Accredited Voters – 31,867
Collation Officer – Mrs. Omolara
Atakumosa East Local Government
Accord – 7,872
APC – 9,936
ADC – 333
Registered voters – 47,767
Accredited Voters – 19,253
Collation Officer – Prof. Ola Olalekan Bolaji
Ayedire Local Government
Accord – 11,073
APC – 9,910
ADC – 148
Registered voters – 45,502
Accredited Voters – 21,419
Collation Officer – Dr. Usamot Sunday
Irewole Local Government
Accord -10,934
APC – 29,972
ADC – 275
Registered voters – 96,528
Accredited Voters – 42,858
Collation Officer – Mr Waji
Ila Local Government
Accord – 16,211
APC – 12,934
ADC – 259
Registered voters – 57,825
Accredited Voters – 30,028
Collation Officer – Prof. Olugbenga Oludolapo
Ede North Local Government
Accord – 35,427
APC – 10,283
ADC – 307
Registered voters – 96,644
Accredited Voters – 47,262
Collation Officer – Jacob Opele
Iwo Local Government
Accord – 27,085
APC – 19,660
ADC – 588
Registered voters – 106,814
Accredited Voters – 48,985
Collation Officer – Mrs Koyejo Oyeyimika Fasakin
Atakumosa West Local Government
Accord – 7,479
APC – 10,037
ADC – 213
Registered voters – 44,076
Accredited Voters – 18,707
Collation Officer – Prof. Adedeji Taiwo
Ifelodun Local Government
Accord – 21,107
APC – 18,396
ADC – 509
Registered voters – 94,870
Accredited Voters – 41,156
Collation Officer – Prof. Olayiwola Fasoranti
Ife East Local Government
Accord – 27,201
APC – 18,600
ADC – 935
Registered voters – 128,465
Accredited Voters – 49,065
Collation Officer – Prof. Benjamin Omolayo
Odo-Otin Local Government
Accord – 18,003
APC – 15,435
ADC – 377
Registered voters – 82,574
Accredited Voters – 34,482
Collation Officer – Prof. Adebola Adewumi Aderibigbe
Oriade Local Government
Accord – 21,343
APC – 14,863
ADC – 423
Registered voters – 84,283
Accredited Voters – 37,962
Collation Officer – Dr. Olabode Olajide
Osogbo Local Government
Accord -36,480
APC – 30,474
ADC – 1,503
Registered voters – 167,704
Accredited Voters – 70,840
Orolu Local Government
Accord -12,352
APC – 10,622
ADC – 236
Registered voters – 51,021
Accredited Voters – 25,423
Collation Officer – Dr. Akinkunmi Sunday Ayomide
Obokun Local Government
Accord -12,023
APC – 16,120
ADC – 205
Registered voters – 64,440
Accredited Voters – 29,183
Collation Officer – Dr. Stephen Ojo
Irepodun Local Government
Accord – 14,504
APC – 15,713
ADC – 249
Registered voters – 81,067
Accredited Voters – 33,943
Collation Officer – Prof. Babafunso Awe
Boripe Local Government
Accord – 12,448
APC – 19,963
ADC – 379
Registered voters – 81,067
Accredited Voters – 33,943
Collation Officer – Prof. Hammed Olaide
Ife Central Local Government
Accord -21,171
APC – 15,913
ADC – 747
Registered voters – 122,453
Accredited Voters – 39,990
Collation Officer – Prof. Adekoya-Iromini Modinat Adejoke
Ilesa East Local Government
Accord -12,280
APC – 16,208
ADC – 504
Registered voters – 28,361
Accredited Voters – 14,703
Collation Officer – Prof. Chika Asogba
Ifedayo Local Government
Accord -7,427
APC – 6,836
ADC – 115
Registered voters – 28,361
Accredited Voters – 14,703
Ilesa West Local Government
Accord – 16,196
APC – 12,756
ADC – 673
Registered voters – 86,699
Accredited Voters – 31,333
Collation Officer – Prof. Babatunde Joshua Omotoso
Ife North Local Government
Accord – 13,879
APC – 9,613
ADC – 333
Registered voters – 65,718
Accredited Voters – 24,772
Collation Officer – Prof. Bolanle Tajudeen Opoola
Ede South Local Government
Accord – 26,188
APC – 6,219
ADC – 390
Registered voters – 67729
Accredited Voters – 34,011
Collation Officer – Raji Oluwakemi
Boluwaduro Local Government
Accord scored 7,118, APC scored 7,050
ADC scored 179
Registered voters – 29,797
Accredited Voters – 14,662
Collation Officer – Prof. Jeremiah Omosola
INEC delays formal collation at 2:30 AM as journalists, security operatives await results
As of 2:30 a.m., the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to commence the official collation of results for the Osun State governorship election.
The electoral body is reportedly awaiting the physical delivery and arrival of results from several local government areas.
According to findings, hard copy results from only about six of the state’s 30 local governments have arrived at the collation center so far.
Meanwhile, journalists from various media organizations have gathered at the venue under tight security, awaiting the official commencement of the collation process.
Representatives of different political parties have arrived the centre.
Collation of results from Ila Orangun, Osun State below:
Breaking: Accord Party in early lead as poll results trick in
Ila Orangun Osun state
Accord – 104
APC – 58
Void – 5
Unit 2, Ward 10#OsunDecides2026 pic.twitter.com/t4H12eAESA
— Mayor Of Calabar (@Uno_009) August 15, 2026
Lga: EJIGBO
TEMIDIRE MARKET SQUARE, ISUNDUNIRIN ROAD, MASIFA
Ward: IFEODAN ‘B’/MASIFA
Accord: 92
APC: 157
ADC: 6
Lga: IFELODUN
ESORUN SQUARE II
Ward: OKEBA IKIRUN
Accord: 95
APC: 155
ADC: 3
Lga: IFE SOUTH
KERE ORISUNBARE
Ward: KERE
Accord: 84
APC: 84
ADC: 1
Lga: AYEDIRE
AGE’S COMPD. ILEOGBO
29/04/07/004
Ward: ILEOGBO III
Accord: 186
APC: 208
ADC: 2
LGA: Olorunda
OPEN SPACE, CALIFONIA JUNCTION, TESTING GROUND AREA, OSOGBO
Accord: 143
APC: 195
ADC: 6
LGA: Oriadé‘
THE APOSTOLIC PRY. SCHOOL, IPEJU-IJESA
Accord: 262
APC: 206
ADC: 02
LGA: Ede South
ST. LUKE’S PRY. SCHOOL, AROLA
Accord: 252
APC: 63
ADC: 2
LGA: Ede South
L.A. SCHOOL, OLODAN II
Accord: 259
APC: 54
ADC: 1
LGA: Ede North
Accord: 396
APC: 175
ADC: 3
LGA: Osun
DOGO I
Accord: 160
APC: 232
ADC: 04
Collation centre invaded by gunmen, exercise disrupted
Hooded gunmen invaded a collation centre in Osogbo LGA, disrupting the exercise.
The incident occurred at 9.45 pm inside Union Baptist Primary School where several where several polling units of Ward 4 are located.
LGA: Atakumosa West
LAALA VILLAGE
Accord: 130
APC: 71
ADC: 1
LGA: Osun
TOWOBAJE MARKET
Accord: 163
APC: 198
ADC: 004
LGA: Ife North
ST. MARTIN’S SCHOOL, EGBEDA
Accord: 67
APC: 88
ADC: 02
LGA: Osun
O/S PLAYING FIELD ON OLORUNSOGO LINE 2 BESIDE STATE HOSPITAL OKE OGBO
Accord: 222
APC: 143
ADC: 0
LGA: Osun
OPEN SPACE BY TRANSFORMER AT MECHANIC WORKSHIP OBADA ROAD ADESOJI BUILDING TECH TRAINING
Accord: 488
APC: 59
ADC: 16
LGA: Ejigbo
BAPTIST DAY SCHOOL, MASIFA
Accord: 146
APC: 170
ADC: 12
LGA: Osun
AJEGUNLE, AJEGUNLE VILLAGE
Accord: 141
APC: 234
ADC: 00
LGA: Odo-Otin
EKOSIN GRAMMAR SCHOOL, EKOSIN
Accord: 278
APC: 190
ADC: 11
LGA: Osogbo
OLUODE ARANYIN
Accord: 172
APC: 188
ADC: 2
LGA: Osun
8 IKOLABA COMPD
Accord: 246
APC: 183
ADC: 04
LGA: Odo-Otin
ALAGBEDE COMP. BESIDE BAPTIST PRY. SCHOOL, EKOSIN
Accord: 96
APC: 156
ADC: 02
LGA: Osogbo
OPEN SPACE, OPP. NIGERIAN POLICE, OJA-OBA DIVISION , OKE BAALE, OSOGBO
Accord: 175
APC: 101
ADC: 05
LGA: Osogbo
L.G. MARKET GBONMI
Accord: 171
APC: 178
ADC: 3
LGA: Obokun
IMESI-ILE TOWN HALL
Accord: 130
APC: 108
ADC: 002
LGA: Atakumosa East
OPEN SPACE OLOWORU OWODE
Accord: 0
ADC: 0
APC: 99
LGA: Egoedore
ABUDO COMMUNITY PRY. SCHOOL
Accord: 83
APC: 32
ADC: 2
LGA: Osogbo
A.U.D. ISALE OSUN 1
Accord: 157
APC: 203
ADC: 006
LGA: Olurunda
OPEN SPACE, T-JUNCTION, OWOEYE, OKE ONITEA
Accord: 76
APC: 117
ADC: 2
LGA: ISOKAN
ST. MARY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL, ORANRAN II
Accord: 129
APC: 97
ADC: 3
LGA: Ife East
OPEN SPACE INFRONT OF AKODI WANMISANNI, OKE OKUTA
Accord: 42
APC: 93
ADC: 0
LGA: Osogbo
AJENISUA VILLAGE II
Accord: 32
APC: 56
ADC: 2
Osun election: INEC uploads 52.17% per cent of election results to IReV
LGA: Irepodun
AGIRIEMU ERIN
Accord:119
APC: 87
ADC: 0
LGA: Ife Central
AKODI OBADIO
Accord: 161
APC: 105
ADC: 012
LGA: Ilesha East
FRONTAGE OF MECHANIC WORKSHOP, OPP. COCA COCA
Accord: 171
APC: 164
ADC: 4
LGA: Ife North
ELERIN I, II & III
Accord: 41
APC: 58
ADC: 1
LGA: Obokun
AKINJEPO VILLAGE
Accord: 133
APC: 242
ADC: 1
LGA: Ayedaade
Accord: 52
APC: 70
ADC: 3
LGA: Ede South
BAPTIST HIGH SCHOOL( ENGINEER ADEWOLU STREET)
Accord: 247
APC: 43
ADC: 7
LGA: Iwo
OPEN SPACE, OLUWATEDO JUNCTION
Accord: 73
APC: 41
ADC: 0
LGA: Ila Edigbon
Accord: 65
APC: 67
ADC: 3
LGA: Atakumosa East
OPEN SPACE IYINTA
Accord 155
APC: 141
ADC: 2
LGA: Ila Temidire
Accord: 58
APC: 86
ADC: 2
LGA: Ife Central
OPEN SPACE AKINTIBU STREET
Accord: 215
APC: 96
ADC: 3
LGA: Egoedore
BADA AREA IRAGBERI
Accord: 183
APC: 138
ADC: 0
LGA: Irewole
Accord: 42
APC: 138
ADC: 0
LGA: Isogbo
Accord: 56
APC: 105
ADC: 01
LGA: Egoedore
Accord: 117
APC: 38
ADC: 1
LGA: Boripe
Accord: 118
APC: 129
ADC: 04
LGA: Odo-Otin
Accord: 115
ADC: 0
APC: 88
LGA: Ife Central
Accord: 98
APC: 108
ADC: 3
LGA: Ifedayo
Accord: 105
APC: 121
ADC: 1
LGA: Olorunda
Accord: 122
APC: 71
ADC: 4
LGA: Oriadé’
Accord: 65
APC: 76
ADC: 0
LGA: Isokan
Accord: 164
APC:119
ADC: 9
LGA: Ife Central
Accord: 77
APC: 61
ADC: 2
LGA: Ife East
Accord: 60
APC: 29
ADC: 3
INEC begins upload of Osun election results on IReV
The Independent National Electoral Commission has begun uploading the results of the Osun State governorship election held on Saturday to IReV.
03: 30 pm: Voting has ended at Ilode 1, Ward 2, Polling Unit 7 in Ife East Local Government Area of Osun State as election officials prepare to begin sorting the ballots.
The voting exercise ended at exactly 2:30 p.m. on Saturday after voters at the polling unit completed the process.
With voting concluded, attention has shifted to the next stage of the electoral process, with officials expected to sort the ballots cast at the polling unit.
03:01 pm: Sorting and counting have begun at Ward 007, Polling Unit3, in Alagba, Osogbo.
02:41 pm: Accord DG Senator Oyewumi condemns arrest of party members, alleges intimidation in Ikire
The Director-General of the Accord Party Campaign Council, Senator Lere Oyewumi, has condemned the arrest of 52 individuals at the residence of the lawmaker representing the Irewole/Isokan State Constituency, Ibrahim Inaolaji, labelling the incident as an act of political intimidation and harassment amid the ongoing Osun State governorship election.
Police operatives had earlier arrested scores of individuals at Inaolaji’s residence in the early hours of Saturday, recovering multiple Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at the scene.
Addressing journalists at his polling unit, Unit 9, SS Peter and Paul, Sumoye Primary School in Ikire, the senator representing Osun East claimed that roughly 24 police officers stormed the lawmaker’s residence at midnight, forced open the gate, and detained 52 people, including the local government chairman of the Accord Party.
He alleged that those arrested have since been transferred to Osogbo.
According to Oyewumi, the family members staying at the house were visiting relatives from Ibadan to participate in the local election.
“It is very, very unfortunate what we witnessed here. The whole drama started at midnight when about 24 policemen stormed the house of our House of Assembly member, Ibrahim Inaolaji.
“The Inaolaji family is a very big family, and they reside in Ibadan. Since their son is the honourable member, they used to come and register in Irewole Local Government.
“They were all around in his house, eating and drinking. The policemen just stormed the house, destroyed the gate, and arrested about 52 people there, including the local government chairman of Accord,” Oyewumi said.
The campaign DG further alleged a pattern of targeted arrests aimed at crippling the Accord Party’s grassroots mobilisation ahead of the vote, claiming that the party’s Ward 6 chairman and a prominent youth leader had been similarly detained in recent days without justifiable cause.
In addition to the arrests, Oyewumi reported outbreaks of violence across multiple polling units in Ikire shortly after voting commenced, accusing political thugs of assaulting Accord Party agents and voters.
He cited incidents at the Orieru Polling Unit in Ward 1 and at St. Joseph Primary School (Units 1 and 2), where a voter was allegedly beaten and briefly abducted before being released.
Oyewumi noted that he had reached out to both police and military commanders to report the security breaches, while expressing deep concern over the failure of security personnel to preempt or halt the attacks.
12:19 pm: Violence reported at Polling Unit 13, Ward 4, in Ejigbo LGA after a youth found vote-buying materials allegedly belonging to the APC.
The youth revealed that they seized the materials because they could not watch illegality occur without doing anything about it.
In retaliation, the persons to whom the materials allegedly belong arrived to whisk him away.
12:02 pm: Voting at Polling Unit 13, Ward 4, in Ejigbo LGA has stopped due to violence. INEC officials and residents have reportedly scampered to safety.
12:01 pm: APC scribe Basiru confident of party’s victory after casting vote in Osogbo
The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, alongside his wife, Abibat, cast their votes on Saturday in the ongoing Osun State governorship election at Ward 7, Unit 3, in the Osogbo Local Government Area.
Speaking to journalists shortly after casting his ballot, Senator Basiru commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the prompt deployment of sensitive election materials and personnel to polling centres across the state.
He also lauded the electorate for coming out in impressive numbers, describing the robust turnout as a clear testament to the people’s deep commitment to democratic principles.
The APC chieftain praised security agencies for their effective operational framework, noting that the visible presence of security operatives ensured a peaceful, orderly, and secure atmosphere at the polling units.
Describing the exercise as calm and hitch-free, Basiru expressed strong confidence that the election would meet the benchmarks of being free, fair, and credible.
He also reiterated his optimism regarding the electoral prospects of the APC, voicing high hopes that the party would emerge victorious at the conclusion of the polls.
Voting remains underway across various parts of Osun State under tight security and high levels of voter participation.
11: 51 am: Oyetola expresses confidence in APC’s triumph after casting vote in Iragbiji
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has expressed strong confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, will emerge victorious in the ongoing Osun State governorship election.
Oyetola made this known while speaking to journalists after casting his ballot at Ward 1, Unit 10, Oloti area in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area.
Commending the security architecture across the state, the former governor noted that the exercise had been largely peaceful with an impressive turnout of voters.
“I commend the security agencies for doing a wonderful job. It has been peaceful all through, and the turnout has been very impressive.
“The presence of the military and policemen is to ensure security and encourage people to go out and vote,” Oyetola said.
Emphasising Osun’s reputation for tranquillity, he added, “Our state is known for peace. I don’t know why voting, which is a normal process, should create any issue at all.”
Oyetola expressed satisfaction with the high level of citizen participation, interpreting it as an endorsement of progressive governance in the state.
“I’m impressed, and I thank our people for coming out en masse to vote for their candidate, which I believe is us. This is a progressive state, and particularly where I am here, there is no reason why people should not come out.
“We have actually enjoyed the dividends of democracy all over the state, and people are yearning for continuity.
“Therefore, the most appropriate thing is for them to turn out en masse and vote, so they can confirm that this is the kind of government they want. It is a normal four-year process. My candidate will win by the grace of God,” Oyetola added.
11: 38 am: Thugs destroy ADC candidate’s polling unit
Suspected political thugs destroyed the polling unit of the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam, at Ward 4, Unit 13.
Electoral officials and voters ran away following the incident.
11: 20 am: APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji expresses confidence in victory, commends INEC, security agencies
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Oyebamiji, has expressed strong optimism of securing victory in the ongoing Osun State governorship election.
Speaking to journalists shortly after casting his ballot at Unit 11, Ward 9, Open Space Gantry in Ikire, Oyebamiji commended the efficient conduct of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and the heavy presence of security operatives.
“INEC is here, voters are here, and security operatives are here,” Oyebamiji said. “I want to commend the large turnout of voters in Ikire; it shows that people are not intimidated, and generally, things are going on fine across the state.”
Addressing potential security concerns regarding rumoured violence in Ikire later in the day, the APC candidate called on the police and other security agencies to remain proactive in safeguarding citizens and voters to ensure a credible process.
Reacting to the recent arrest of a politician linked to electoral mercenaries in the area, Oyebamiji expressed trust in the legal and investigative process, adding, “I want to assure you that the police will do their job, and I am confident that I will win this election at the end of the day.”
10:30 am: Oyetola, wife vote in hometown Iragbiji
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, arrived his polling units at ward 1, unit 10, Oloti in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government ground 10:20, alongside his wife, Kafayat,where they voted.
09: 58am: APC deputy governorship candidate hails impressive voter turnout, smooth BVAS operation
The All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate in the ongoing Osun State governorship election, Kayode Adereti, has described the voter turnout as impressive while commending the security arrangements and the smooth performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Adereti, who spoke to journalists after casting his ballot at Ward 11, Unit 3, Ilare in Ife Central, noted that the electoral process has been largely peaceful, with citizens stepping out in large numbers to exercise their civic duty.
He expressed satisfaction with the efficiency of the BVAS machines, stating that accreditation was proceeding seamlessly and that voters were pleased with the conduct of the exercise.
“The turnout is impressive, and the security is perfect. The BVAS is working well, and everyone is happy here,” Adereti said.
The APC candidate encouraged eligible voters who had yet to cast their ballots to come out and participate, emphasising that the future of the state relies on active citizen engagement.
“I urge the people of Osun State to come out and vote. We are ready, and the people are ready to make Osun a better place,” he added.
Adereti appealed to the electorate to maintain peace and orderliness throughout the voting process, urging political parties and their supporters to respect established guidelines and allow citizens to freely choose their next governor.
The election is currently taking place across the 30 local government areas of the state under tight security and intense political competition.
Adereti’s positive assessment stands in contrast to earlier pre-election anxieties regarding potential violence and disruptions, as stakeholders continue to urge calm while voting and collation proceed.
09:42 am: Governor Adeleke alerts security agencies to alleged plot by ‘mercenary cop’ to disrupt Ede polls
Osun State Governor and candidate of the Accord Party in the ongoing governorship election has called on security operatives and residents to remain on high alert.
Speaking to journalists after casting his ballot at Ward 2, Unit 9, Abodunge/Sagba in Ede, Ede North Local Government, Governor Adeleke stated, “As of now, it is going well.”
However, he raised serious security concerns, alleging that a police officer from Port Harcourt, known as “London,” had been brought into the state to disrupt the voting process and destabilise his hometown of Ede.
“I am calling on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and all security agencies to watch out for this police officer from Port Harcourt,” Adeleke said.
“I understand that the APC brought him to Osun State to carry out a hatchet job and cause disruption in my town, Ede, so that people will not be able to vote.
“I want the IGP, the Commissioner of Police for the election, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the election, and all security agencies to take note and do the needful. I also urge all my people in Ede to be vigilant.”
The governor also alleged a plot to subvert the electoral procedure during the transmission and collation phases.
“I also have it on good authority that they do not want to follow the normal process of moving from the polling units to the wards and then to the local governments. Instead, they want to take the process straight to the collation centre.
“This is not acceptable. They must follow the rules, and that is why I am alerting my people to watch out. I know that, by the special grace of God, I will win this election,” Adeleke said.
09:33 am: Police arrest lawmaker, recover 200 PVCs over alleged importation of voters
The Osun State Police Command has arrested a serving member of the State House of Assembly, Honourable Abiola Ibrahim Inaolaji, along with 146 suspected electoral mercenaries found camped at his residence in Ikire.
The lawmaker, who represents the Irewole/Isokan State Constituency, was apprehended during a targeted police operation on Friday night. Authorities reportedly recovered more than 200 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at the scene.
In a circulating video clip, Honourable Ibrahim is seen making a preliminary statement confirming his identity and allegedly admitting to facilitating the movement of the 146 suspects into Osun State from neighbouring states to vote in the election.
The high-profile arrest forms part of intensified security measures ahead of the poll, aimed at thwarting activities capable of compromising the credibility of the electoral process.
According to police sources, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were transported from Ondo State to participate in unlawful electoral activities.
During questioning, the suspects reportedly confessed that they were recruited by an unidentified politician who provided them with voters’ cards and promised financial rewards in exchange for their votes.
Confirming the incident, the Command’s Spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, stated that a full-scale investigation has been launched.
He noted that efforts are underway to track down other fleeing accomplices and unravel the entire network behind the recruitment of the electoral mercenaries and voter inducement scheme.
09:30 am: Adeleke’s deputy votes, expresses confidence, cites late INEC arrival in some units
The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Accord Party in the Osun State governorship election, Prince Kola Adewusi, on Saturday voted at ward 1, Olode, Ife East Local Government.
He expressed strong optimism that his party will emerge victorious in Saturday’s poll.
While monitoring the election process, Adewusi noted that adequate security personnel had been deployed to ensure a peaceful exercise across the state.
However, he raised concerns over the inconsistent arrival times of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials at various polling units, pointing out that while some areas witnessed early deployments, others experienced significant delays that could impact the smooth commencement of voting.
Despite these logistical hiccups, Adewusi remained upbeat about the party’s electoral prospects, emphasising that the Accord Party had campaigned rigorously and enjoyed widespread grassroots support.
When asked about his expectations for the outcome, Adewusi remarked, “We are on the ground. What do you expect me to say? We are winning.”
He expressed confidence that voters would be able to exercise their franchise freely and that the final results would accurately reflect the will of the electorate. He also urged voters to remain peaceful and conduct themselves responsibly throughout the voting and collation processes.
09:11 am: Governor Ademola Adeleke votes in his polling unit
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has voted at his polling unit, Ward 2, Unit 9, Abodunge/Sagba, in Ede.
Governor Adeleke is seeking reelection.
08:47 am: Osun Decides: Large turnout as voting commences
From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
Large turnout was observed in many areas across Osun State as voters trooped out to elect a governor for the state between November 27, 2026 and November 2030.
At ward 01, unit 10, Oloti area, Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government, where the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, is expected to vote, early arrival of voters and electoral officers was observed.
As at 8:10, voters are still checking their names on the list.
A voter, Yinusa Rafiu, alerted electoral officers that his name was missing on the list. He said the names of his brothers and sisters appeared at usual place, but his name is missing.
Governor Adeleke’s polling unit
Early arrival of voters and INEC ad hoc staff was observed at Unit 9, Ward 2 of Ede-North LG, the polling unit of Governor Ademola Adeleke. They are ready to commence the voting process scheduled for 8:30 am.
Voters arrived at Ward 5, Unit 12, Falaju Street, Ile-Ife, as early as 8 am, but the venue was locked, thereby causing delays in accreditation.
The Presiding Officer, Said Oghnerume, stated that she arrived at the polling unit early but could not begin the process because the facility was under lock and key.
According to her, the individuals responsible for the key had not yet opened the venue, preventing election officials from setting up materials and starting voter accreditation. She added that active efforts were underway to open the building so the exercise could begin.
The delay has left voters waiting outside the polling unit as residents across Osun State turn out to cast their ballots in the governorship election.
08: 39 am: Osun Decides: Accreditation yet to start at Ile-Ife Ward 5, Unit 12 over venue issue
From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
Voter accreditation has yet to commence at Ward 5, Unit 12, Falaju Street, Ile-Ife, Osun State, as the polling venue remained locked past 8:00 a.m. on Saturday.
The Presiding Officer, Said Oghnerume, stated that she arrived at the polling unit early but could not begin the process because the facility was under lock and key.
According to her, the individuals responsible for the key had not yet opened the venue, preventing election officials from setting up materials and starting voter accreditation. She added that active efforts were underway to open the building so the exercise could begin.
The delay has left voters waiting outside the polling unit as residents across Osun State turn out to cast their ballots in the governorship election.
As of the time of filing this report, accreditation has not yet commenced at the unit.
08:25 am: Voters arrived early at Governor Adeleke’s polling unit
Early arrival of voters and INEC ad hoc staff was observed at Unit 9, Ward 2 of Ede-North LG, the polling unit of Governor Ademola Adeleke. They are ready to commence the voting process scheduled for 8:30 am.
08:20 am: Electorates, security, INEC officials arrived at Oyetola’s polling unit
At ward 10, unit 01, Oloti area, Iragbiji Boripe Local Government, where the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, is expected to vote, early arrival of voters and electoral officers was observed.
As at 8:10, voters are still checking their names on the list.
A voter, Yinusa Rafiu, alerted electoral officers that his name was missing on the list. He said the names of his brothers and sisters appeared in the usual place, but his name is missing.
07: 54 am: Voters await electoral officers at Iragbiji
At Ward 3, Unit 16 ward 3 Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government, the hometown of Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, voters arrived at the polling unit before electoral officers.
The voters had been in line as early as 7:15, waiting for electoral officers.
Residents in Osun State decide today in the governorship election involving Ademola Adeleke of Accord, Bola Oyebamiji of APC, Olanrewaju Farinloye of AA, Yemisi Opawoye from ADP, Taofeek Adeleke of NNPP, amongst others.
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