A large number of voters have turned out in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State, as residents await accreditation to cast their ballots in the 2026 Osun governorship election.

Voters arrived at various polling units as early as 7am on Saturday, with many checking the voters’ registers displayed at the polling centres to confirm their names ahead of accreditation.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were also at the polling units before 7am to prepare for the commencement of accreditation and voting.

Security personnel were deployed across Ikire, with unarmed police officers seen at several polling centres. Armed security personnel, soldiers and patrol vehicles were also positioned at strategic locations within the town.

As of 8:20am, vehicular movement was ongoing along the Ife-Ibadan Road, which passes through Ikire. Motorcycles and cars were also seen moving around the town.

The atmosphere remained largely peaceful, with some shops open for business as residents went about their activities amid the ongoing Osun governorship election.

Ikire is the hometown of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Oyebamiji, who is expected to vote at Ward 9, Unit 3, AUD School, Atile, in Irewole Local Government Area.

The high voter turnout comes as residents across Osun State participate in the election to choose the next governor of the state.