Osun State Governor and Accord Party governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke, has called on residents to remain peaceful as the state moves into the collation of results from the ongoing governorship election.

Adeleke made the appeal in a statement shared on Saturday after voting ended at several polling units across Osun State and officials commenced the sorting and counting of ballots.

The governor said the large turnout of voters demonstrated the determination of the people of Osun State to exercise their democratic rights, despite challenges recorded at some polling units.

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“Against all odds, the people of Osun State have turned out in large numbers and are speaking with one voice,” Adeleke said.

He also commended security agencies deployed for the election, while urging them to remain vigilant as the process progresses from polling units to wards and local government areas.

“The safety and protection of our people is paramount. I commend the security agencies deployed for this election and urge them to remain vigilant as we move into the collation of results; from polling units to wards to local government areas,” he said.

Adeleke further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain the highest standards of integrity throughout the result collation process.

“I also call on INEC to uphold the highest standards of integrity throughout this process,” the governor added.

According to Adeleke, the Federal Government has provided adequate security for the election, expressing confidence in the professionalism of the institutions involved in the conduct and monitoring of the poll.

“The federal government has provided adequate security, and I am confident in the professionalism of all institutions involved,” he said.

The governor also urged Osun residents to remain law-abiding and peaceful as election officials begin the process of collating results.

“Democracy is at its strongest when we honor the wishes of our people and protect the sanctity of their votes.

“To every Osun citizen: I urge you to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and committed to this democratic moment. Let the people’s will prevail,” Adeleke said.

The call comes after reports of technical difficulties with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), allegations of vote-buying and isolated incidents of tension at some polling locations during the election.

With voting concluded in many polling units, attention has now shifted to the counting and collation of results that will determine whether Adeleke secures another term or the opposition candidate emerges victorious.

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