OSOGBO, Nigeria — Tension is building across Osun State as residents prepare to vote Saturday in a closely watched governorship election, with security agencies increasing their presence after a campaign marked by political disagreements and reports of violence.
The election has attracted attention beyond the state because it comes less than a year before Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. Voters will choose among 14 candidates, with incumbent Gov. Ademola Adeleke, All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji and African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam among the leading contenders.
More than 1.9 million Permanent Voter Cards have been collected ahead of the election. More than 2.3 million voters are registered across the state, with voting expected to take place in thousands of polling units across all 30 local government areas.
Security preparations have been extensive. Thousands of personnel from various security agencies have been deployed across the state to protect voters, election officials and sensitive materials.
The heavy security presence reflects concerns that have followed the election campaign. Several areas have been identified as potential flashpoints, prompting authorities to increase surveillance and warn against political violence, intimidation and attempts to disrupt voting.
Those concerns became more serious after reports of political violence during the campaign, including an incident in which an APC supporter was reportedly killed in Esa Oke. The incident added to calls for political parties and their supporters to avoid confrontation as election day approaches.
For many residents, however, the biggest concern is not simply which candidate wins but whether they can vote without fear.
Voters have called on authorities to prevent intimidation, vote buying and other forms of electoral malpractice. They have also urged political parties to control their supporters and allow the election to proceed peacefully.
President Bola Tinubu has assured residents that adequate security will be provided and encouraged eligible voters to participate peacefully.
The contest is particularly important because Osun has a history of closely fought governorship elections. In 2022, Adeleke defeated then-incumbent APC candidate Gboyega Oyetola in a competitive race that was later challenged in court.
This year’s contest has again produced a highly competitive political landscape. Adeleke is seeking another term, while Oyebamiji is hoping to return the APC to power in the state. Salaam and other candidates are also seeking to challenge the dominance of the major parties.
With campaigning over, attention has shifted to polling stations. Election officials are completing final preparations, while political parties are urging supporters to remain calm and respect the voting process.
The outcome could provide an early indication of changing political alliances and voter preferences ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
But for residents, the immediate hope is much simpler a peaceful election in which every eligible voter can cast a ballot freely and have that vote counted.
As Osun waits for election day, security officers are taking their positions, election officials are preparing materials and voters are getting ready to make their choice. The ballot box, not violence, should decide who leads Osun.
