A large number of voters turned out in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State, on Saturday as the governorship election got underway.
Residents began arriving at various polling units from as early as 7am, with many checking the voters’ registers displayed at the centres before accreditation commenced.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission were also reported to have arrived early and put necessary arrangements in place ahead of the exercise.
The heavy turnout was recorded in the hometown of the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who is expected to vote at Ward 9, Unit 3, AUD School, Atile, Ikire.
Security was visibly tight across the town, with unarmed police officers stationed at polling centres while armed personnel, soldiers and patrol vehicles were deployed at strategic locations.
Despite the election-day movement restrictions, vehicles were seen plying the Ife-Ibadan Road through Ikire, while some motorcycles and cars moved within the town.
The town remained largely peaceful, with residents going about their activities and some shops opening for business as the voting process continued.
The election is being closely watched across Osun as voters decide whether Governor Ademola Adeleke will retain the seat or hand over to one of his challengers, including Oyebamiji.
