Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, candidate of the Accord Party in the 2026 governorship election, on Saturday cast his ballot at his hometown polling unit in Ede, marking a symbolic moment in a fiercely watched contest.

Adeleke arrived at Ward 02, Polling Unit 009, Abogunde Compound in Ede North Local Government Area, accompanied by close aides and security personnel. Residents, party supporters and observers had gathered early, turning the usually quiet neighbourhood into a focal point of political attention.

The governor, dressed in his trademark simple attire and cap, joined the queue briefly before being accredited by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission. After his fingerprints were verified and his name confirmed on the voters’ register, he proceeded to the cubicle to thumbprint his ballot paper and drop it into the ballot box under the watch of party agents and observers.

Speaking to journalists after voting, Adeleke expressed confidence in the electoral process and urged residents of Osun to remain peaceful and law-abiding throughout the exercise. He stressed that the will of the people must prevail and called on security agencies and election officials to maintain neutrality and professionalism.

The governor’s appearance at his polling unit drew a mix of excitement and scrutiny. Supporters chanted slogans in his favour, while some residents watched quietly, mindful of the high stakes in a race that will determine the state’s political direction for the next four years.

Election observers noted that voting materials arrived early at the Abogunde polling unit and that accreditation and voting commenced without major hitches. They, however, cautioned that the broader test for the process would be the collation and announcement of results across the state.

Adeleke, who is seeking a fresh mandate on the platform of the Accord Party, has anchored his campaign on continuity, governance reforms and expanded social welfare. His opponents have challenged his record and promised an alternative vision for Osun, setting the stage for a competitive and closely monitored election.

As voting continued in other parts of the state, attention remained fixed on Ede and other political strongholds, where turnout levels and voting patterns are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the final outcome of the Osun governorship race.