A large turnout of voters was recorded in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State, on Saturday as residents trooped out to polling centres for the ongoing governorship election.

Many voters arrived at their polling units as early as 7 a.m., with residents checking the voter registers displayed on walls to confirm their names ahead of accreditation.

The early turnout reflected strong interest in the election, with residents preparing to exercise their franchise and determine who will govern the state for the next four years.

INEC officials arrive early

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, arrived at several polling units before 7 a.m. and commenced preparations for accreditation and voting.

Electoral officials were seen setting up equipment and making arrangements for the smooth commencement of the exercise as voters gathered at the polling centres.

Some residents waited patiently for accreditation after confirming their names on the displayed registers.

Security presence heightened in Ikire

Security operatives were also deployed across the town to maintain order and safeguard voters, electoral officials and materials.

Unarmed police officers were stationed at polling centres, while armed security personnel, soldiers and patrol vehicles were positioned at strategic locations.

Despite the heavy security presence, the atmosphere in Ikire remained peaceful as residents went about their activities and waited for voting to commence.

Vehicular movement was also observed along the Ife-Ibadan Road as of 8:20 a.m., with motorcycles and some cars moving through the town.

Normal activities continue

Some shops remained open for business as the election progressed, while residents continued their normal activities around the town.

There was no immediate report of violence or major disruption as voters waited at polling units.

The calm atmosphere allowed electoral officials to continue preparations while voters remained on ground for accreditation.

Oyebamiji expected to vote

Ikire is the hometown of the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

Oyebamiji is expected to cast his ballot at Ward 9, Unit 3, AUD School, Atile, Ikire, in Irewole Local Government Area.

His expected arrival at the polling unit is likely to draw supporters, party agents and political observers as the voting exercise continues.

The Osun governorship election is being conducted across the state, with voters expected to elect the governor who will lead Osun for the next four years.

Electorate and political actors have been urged to remain peaceful and respect the electoral process throughout accreditation, voting, counting and collation.