Osun Assembly Elections: Osogbo Witnesses Low Turnout 

The turnout in the early hours of Saturday in Osogbo was low as electorates come out to vote during the Saturday, March 18, 2023, House of Assembly poll.

Osun is one of the states with seven others in Nigeria where gubernatorial elections will not be holding.

Most of the wards and polling units visited in Osogbo, the state capital in the early hours of today saw voters standing scantily at their polling units.

On the other hand, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were already on ground as early 7:45 am as they have erected their cubicles and assembled other election materials.

A chat with some of the INEC officials revealed that election was scheduled to start by 8:30 am and end by 2:30 pm with nobody allowed to join the queue from that point.

In Osogbo and some other major towns of Osun State, it was revealed that there is presence of more security operatives than the Presidential and National Assembly elections held three weeks ago.

Heavily armed security personnel were spotted on major road junctions in major towns across the state. 

From Osogbo to Ikirun to Iragbiji and some other major towns, stop and search by combined teams of security operatives was a major feature.

Private cars and other utility vehicles were stopped for thorough search. 

A police source revealed that an intelligence report received by the Police High Command prompted the heavy mobilization of security operatives to checkmate any lapses.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke earlier called on Osun residents to come out and vote.

He also assured them of their safety and security.

"You are still at home? Come out now and use your PVC as a democrat.

"It is safe outside. Exercise your right to vote and be voted for.

"Don't be scared to abandon your right to vote. Security agencies are in top form to ensure that your vote and my vote count.

"I have issued relevant directives to service commanders to secure lives and properties as we all vote today.

"I need you, good people of Osun state, to vote massively.

"If you love democracy and good governance, stand up now and face your polling units," the Governor charged the citizenry.