Babajide Fadoju
All attention has now shifted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation centre in Osogbo, the state capital, following the conclusion of voting across Osun State’s 30 local government areas.
The collation centre has become the epicenter of political activity as election officials begin the critical process of aggregating and verifying results from the over 3,700 polling units spread across the state.
The movement to the collation centre marks the beginning of the real counting of election results from all 30 local governments.
Party agents, observers, and journalists have converged on the venue to monitor the process, which is expected to determine the next governor of Osun State.
Security has been tightened around the collation centre to ensure the safety of INEC officials and the protection of electoral materials.
Early reports from various local governments indicate a closely contested race.
The APC candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), is currently leading in several local government areas, including his home base of Ikire and other strongholds such as Ilesa, Ile-Ife, and Osogbo. Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party is also leading in some areas, particularly in his hometown of Ede and surrounding communities. The race remains too close to call, with both candidates locking horns in key battleground local governments.
The collation process is expected to be thorough and transparent, with INEC officials assuring the public that the results will be announced as soon as they are verified. The Commission has urged all parties to remain calm and allow the process to run its course. Observers have noted that the election was largely peaceful, despite isolated incidents of technical challenges and allegations of irregularities.
As the nation waits, the people of Osun are hopeful that the collation process will be concluded without incident, paving the way for a peaceful transition of power. The world is watching, and all eyes are on the INEC collation centre in Osogbo.
