Despite growing security concerns ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, many residents have said they will not allow fear or intimidation to stop them from exercising their right to vote.
Some voters said their determination was based on previous election experiences, while others said they were encouraged by the security measures being put in place across the state. Several residents told LEADERSHIP Friday that they were ready to participate in an election that would determine who governs Osun for the next four years.
A resident of Modakeke, Oladele Sangodele, said he was determined to vote because another governorship election would not come around until 2030. He said he could not guarantee that he would still be alive to participate in the next one.
“Nothing can stop me from participating in this election, not even a gun. I’m ready.”
In Osogbo, trader Tolani Igbamidun said there was no tension around her residence, where her polling unit is located. She said elections were not held every day and residents should take advantage of the opportunity to choose their leaders.
Civil servant Gbenga Fajobi also said he would not be intimidated from voting for his preferred candidate.
However, not every resident expressed the same level of confidence. Bisi Odunlade, who lives in Ilesa, said she would only vote if she was convinced that the environment was safe, citing concerns over alleged cult-related activities in the area.
Some voters also expressed different views about the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Taofeek Kelani of Ikire said recent technological measures had made electoral manipulation more difficult.
“I will go out to vote because it may even be difficult for INEC to rig elections these days.”
Others remained sceptical. Simbiat Adebimpe said she had stopped participating in elections after becoming disillusioned with the electoral process. Another voter in Ile-Ife, Awobode Christiana, said concerns about her safety and confidence in the neutrality of security personnel could keep her away from the polls.
Meanwhile, some residents admitted that financial inducements could influence their voting decisions. Akinbade Sulaimon from Ila Orangun said he intended to vote for the party that offered him the most money, despite being warned about the consequences of vote-buying.
In Osun East Senatorial District, however, several voters said they had already decided who they would support. One voter identified as Idowu said he was prepared to vote because it was the opportunity to choose the person he wanted to govern the state.
“I am ready to vote for the candidate of my choice. I have already made up my mind.”
Another resident, Mrs Yemisi Dada, said she would participate because she wanted to have a say in determining the next governor.
Political enthusiasm was also visible in parts of the state, as residents and party supporters chanted slogans and waved at campaign vehicles belonging to their preferred parties.
Security Presence Increases
As election-related activities intensified, security agencies increased their presence across the state. Police vehicles were seen patrolling parts of Osun East, while similar patrols were observed in Osogbo.
Security personnel deployed for the election reportedly began arriving in the state on Thursday, with some having arrived earlier in the week. Military patrols were also observed in the state capital as part of efforts to deter violence and maintain security before, during and after the election.
With voters expressing mixed feelings about safety, the focus now turns to Saturday, when Osun residents will decide whether to allow concerns over insecurity to keep them away or turn out to cast their ballots.
Source: statements from Osun residents and voters.
