The D-day is finally here when registered voters in Osun State will yet again undertake another civic responsibility as they did some four years ago.
Newsclickng.com reports that the Osun State governorship election holding today is the last off-season election before the general elections scheduled for February 2023. The electoral umpire, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier conducted elections in Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, Kogi and Bayelsa states.
While other political parties are participating in the governorship poll, however like it happened in 2018, the Osun governorship election will be a battle between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and major opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In Nigeria’s political quarters, the Osun governorship election is always a do-or-die affair because it in some ways dictates the flow of the general elections, hence reasons bigwigs of both parties have relocated to the state and are doing everything possible to outdo each other to win the election.
Incumbent Governor Gboyega Oyetola (APC) seeking a second term in office will again slug it out with his old rival, Ademola Adeleke (PDP).
Peaceful electoral atmosphere
Contrary to reports in some sections of the media (excluding Newsclickng.com) that the atmosphere in the state is tensed and might affect the turnout of voters for the poll, Newsclickng.com can authoritatively report that the atmosphere is largely peaceful.
Newsclickng.com’s correspondents that went round Osogbo, the state capital and other places in the state on Friday said people are going about their businesses and anticipatory of the election. Though there are noticeable security presence at strategic points, however, they (the security operatives) did not interfere with the commercial activities of the residents.
“Osogbo and other adjoining cities are largely in a commercial mood as at Friday evening. Banking, trading and other activities are going on unhindered despite the presence of security operatives. People are eager to exercise their civil responsibilities tomorrow and have no fear whatsoever of intimidation or harassments,” one of Newsclickng.com correspondents reported on Friday night.
Rigorous campaigns
Meanwhile, like all other elections, the Osun governorship election also witnessed a rigorous campaign season which reached its climax this week.
The ruling APC came prepared with all its bigwigs converging on Osun on Wednesday canvassing voters to support Governor Oyetola for a second term. From the party’s presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to the 21 governors elected on the party’s platform, to its chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, it was a full house for the APC campaign train.
The PDP did not also go to sleep. It’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar made a surprise return from his vacation in Dubai to come and support the party’s candidate. A handful of the party’s governors were also present not forgetting the Adeleke’s superstar singer, Davido who pulled his heavy weight to his Uncle’s advantage.
The Labour Party candidate, Hon. Yusuf Lasun also had a swell time campaigning for support to emerge winner of the poll. The party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi was also on ground to boost the campaign.
