Ikire, the hometown of All Progressives Congress governorship candidate Oyebamiji, witnessed a massive early turnout of voters as residents filed into polling centres across the Irewole Local Government Area to choose Osun State’s next governor.

From as early as 7 a.m., long before the formal commencement of accreditation, voters clustered around polling units, scanning the voter registers pasted on school walls and makeshift boards to confirm their names and numbers. Many arrived in groups, some with stools and water bottles, prepared for a long day at the polls.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission were already on ground before 7 a.m., setting up cubicles, arranging ballot boxes and testing the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices. Their early presence appeared to boost confidence among residents, who said they were determined that their votes would count.

Security was visible but relatively unobtrusive. Unarmed police officers manned the entrances to polling units, guiding voters into orderly queues, while armed personnel, including soldiers, were stationed at strategic junctions and along major routes. Patrol vehicles moved intermittently through the town, reinforcing the sense of security without disrupting the process.

Despite the election, Ikire did not come to a complete standstill. Along the busy Ife–Ibadan Road, which cuts through the town, some vehicular movement continued, with motorcycles and a few private cars seen as at 8.20 a.m. A number of shops, especially those selling food and essential items, opened their doors, serving both voters and residents going about their routines.

The atmosphere remained calm and largely festive. Groups of young people discussed party manifestos and past administrations, while older voters recalled previous election cycles and expressed hopes for improved governance. Many residents noted that the presence of a major candidate from Ikire had heightened local interest and turnout.

Oyebamiji is expected to cast his ballot at Ward 9, Unit 3, AUD School Atile, one of the focal points of activity in the town. Party agents from major political parties were already positioned at the unit and others nearby, observing the process and taking notes as they awaited the formal start of accreditation and voting.