The Ijesa South Federal Constituency Campaign Council of the Accord Party in Osun State has assured residents that Saturday’s governorship election will be peaceful, urging registered voters to come out and exercise their franchise without fear.

The council gave the assurance amid rising tension in parts of the state following reports of killings, attacks and alleged inciting statements by political actors ahead of the election.

Speaking at a press conference in Ilesa on Thursday, Chairman of the Ijesa South Campaign Council, Babatunde Dosu, said the safety of voters was guaranteed, urging residents to troop out and vote overwhelmingly for Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term.

Dosu, who is also the Osun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, said it was important for residents of Ijesa South Federal Constituency, comprising Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Atakumosa East and Atakumosa West, as well as other citizens across the state, to participate actively in the election and determine who governs the state beyond 2026.

He said security agencies had been adequately prepared for the election, noting that the Federal Government had approved the deployment of 10 security personnel to each polling unit.

According to him, the deployment was designed to protect voters, electoral officials and election materials, while security agencies had been given a clear mandate to deal decisively with anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process.

Dosu urged voters to disregard threats from any individual, regardless of their status, assuring them that security agencies were fully prepared to ensure a free, fair and credible election.

He said, “The security services are fully prepared to ensure a free, fair and credible election, and the full weight of the law will be brought to bear on any troublemakers.”

The commissioner also commended the Osun State Government for what he described as its efforts to create a peaceful atmosphere ahead of the election.

He noted that the government’s engagements with stakeholders, traditional rulers and community leaders had helped to promote harmony and confidence among residents, while also commending its collaboration with federal security agencies.

Dosu said the presence of security personnel across the state was intended to protect residents and electoral stakeholders, urging voters not to panic.

He reminded registered voters that polling units would open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 2:00 p.m., urging them to arrive early, cast their ballots and return home peacefully.

The campaign council chairman also canvassed support for Adeleke, saying the governor’s achievements in infrastructure and other sectors had demonstrated his capacity to lead the state for another term.

Meanwhile, another leader in the zone and Commissioner for Health, Jola Akintola, called for the release of detained chieftains of the Accord Party in Ijesa South and other parts of the state.

Akintola also dismissed fears that alleged threats of violence attributed to some All Progressives Congress politicians would discourage voters from participating in the election.

He expressed confidence that the deployment of security personnel would reassure residents and encourage them to come out in large numbers to exercise their right to vote.

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