* Osun Speaker, Adewale Casts his Votes Amid Security Concerns
Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, cast his vote early Saturday morning at Unit 9, Sagba Abogunde Ward 2, in Ede North Local Government Area.
Arriving at the polling unit with his supporters and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Adeleke praised the State Independent Electoral Commission for ensuring a peaceful electoral process. Encouraging residents to participate actively, he assured them of a safe election. “I want to urge everyone to come out and cast their votes. The election will be peaceful,” he stated.
Emphasizing the importance of grassroots democracy, Adeleke urged political stakeholders and voters to avoid violence. He expressed confidence in his party’s success, stating that all PDP candidates would emerge victorious.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to working collaboratively with the federal government. He also debunked a fake news report alleging that he had made negative remarks about President Bola Tinubu, calling it false and misleading.
Refuting the claims, Adeleke reaffirmed his respect for the President, describing him as “a true democrat with huge democratic credentials.” He recalled his previous statements, affirming his belief that Tinubu values the rule of law and would never support unconstitutional actions.
“We have confidence in the democratic credentials of President Tinubu, who we know will always insist on the rule of law,” Adeleke reiterated. He urged the public to disregard the false reports and focus on peaceful and credible elections in Osun State.
Osun Speaker, Adewale Casts his Votes Amid Security Concerns
Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, cast his vote early today at Unit 5, Ward 9, Odo-Otin Local Government Area.
His participation follows that of Governor Ademola Adeleke, who earlier voted at Sagba Abogunde, Unit 9, Ward 2, Ede North Local Government Area at exactly 8 a.m. as reported by Africa Health Report (AHR).
Voting across various polling units in Ede town proceeded peacefully despite earlier concerns about security.
The Osun State Police had advised the government to suspend the planned local government elections, citing credible intelligence suggesting a high likelihood of violence and security threats.
However, Governor Adeleke dismissed the police warning, arguing that their advice was politically motivated and insisting on upholding democratic principles.
Despite the tension surrounding the elections, voter turnout remained steady in several areas, with citizens exercising their democratic rights without major disruptions.
Security agencies were present at polling stations to ensure order, as the political climate in Osun State remained under close observation.
