By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

Governor Ademola Adeleke has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for upholding the rule of law, which enabled the smooth conduct of the ongoing local government elections across Osun State.

Speaking after casting his vote at his ward in Ede on Saturday morning, Adeleke lauded the peaceful atmosphere of the election, describing it as being in line with due process.

Security operatives, including personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Amotekun Corps, were deployed across the state to maintain order.

Reports from various locations across Osun indicated heavy security presence, with police officers manning strategic entry and exit points while military and paramilitary operatives conducted patrols across the state.

Adeleke hailed President Tinubu as a true democrat with impeccable democratic credentials, affirming that his administration has remained supportive and collaborative with the Federal Government.

The governor also dismissed a recent publication alleging that he made negative remarks about President Tinubu, insisting the report was false.

“In my first state broadcast on this matter, I affirmed that I know Mr. President to be a true democrat, a firm believer in the rule of law, and a respecter of the judicial process. I made it clear that Mr. President would never support any action capable of causing bloodshed or violating the constitution.

“In my second broadcast, I reiterated our confidence in President Tinubu’s democratic principles, knowing that he would always insist on the rule of law.”

Adeleke urged the public to disregard the fake news, stating that at no point did he attack the President before or during the ongoing local government elections.

Meanwhile, the governor, who arrived at his polling unit at Sagba/Abogunde Ward 2, Unit 9, Ede, was accredited before casting his vote. He commended the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) for a well-organised process and urged citizens to participate actively in the democratic exercise.

Despite assurances of security, reports indicate that voter turnout was relatively low in several polling units visited by our correspondent in Osogbo and Ede. At Alajue 1 Ward, Unit 8, Alajue 1 Ward 4, Unit 20, and Ward 8, Unit 6, 150A, as well as Station Road Ward 4, Unit 10, Seventh Day School, all in Ede, voter participation was moderate.

However, at Baruwa in Osogbo Ward 4, Units 18, 19, and 20, turnout was significantly higher. In contrast, some polling units in Osogbo, the state capital, witnessed apathy, as residents feared potential attacks.

Speaking after casting his vote at Ward 7, Unit 7, in Osogbo, Secretary to the Osun State Government, Mr. Teslim Igbalaye, described the election as peaceful, stating that turnout was impressive despite concerns over security agencies’ presence.

“I arrived at my polling unit around 9 am, and people were already voting. Elderly citizens were also trooping out to exercise their civic rights. This demonstrates the people’s confidence in OSSIEC and the government of Senator Ademola Adeleke,” he remarked.

The election took place amid heightened political tension following the lingering dispute between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) over an Appeal Court verdict.

Both parties had interpreted the ruling in their favour, fueling political uncertainty in the state. The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), had earlier advised the Osun State Government to suspend the election, citing security concerns raised by intelligence reports from the Inspector General of Police’s office. However, the state government proceeded with the polls, insisting on the need to deepen democracy at the grassroots level.