Ebenezer Adurokiya and Micheal Chukwuebuka Reporting From Osogbo
WITH less than 24 hours to go before the 2026 Osun State governorship election, a palpable mix of anxiety and anticipation swept across the state on Friday morning as residents embarked on frantic last-minute shopping sprees, particularly at the bustling Owode-Ede market.
The scramble for provisions coincided with a public holiday declared by the Ademola Adeleke-led government, a move intended to allow citizens ample time to prepare for Saturday’s crucial poll. However, for many shoppers, the urgency was driven less by convenience and more by fear.
A quick survey conducted by the STONIX NEWS crew revealed that most buyers were stockpiling essentials amid growing concerns that the election could be disrupted by violence.
Several residents voiced unease over reported brigandage and thuggery that have allegedly marred the build-up to the re-election bid, with some confessing they were preparing to remain indoors should trouble erupt.
Meanwhile, security across the state has been visibly ramped up. Teams of soldiers, police officers, and other security operatives have erected roadblocks and taken over strategic locations in a clear show of force designed to deter any outbreak of civil disorder.
The heavy presence, while reassuring to some, has also contributed to the tense atmosphere enveloping the state.
Amid the heightened nerves, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) moved to calm frayed tempers.
Speaking exclusively to STONIX NEWS at the state INEC office on Friday, spokesman Mr. Musa Olumide gave a firm assurance that Saturday’s exercise would be free, fair, and credible.
He urged the people of Osun to defy their fears and turn out en masse to cast their votes for the candidate of their choice, insisting that adequate measures had been put in place to safeguard both voters and electoral materials.
”Osun is ready,” Olumide declared. “We urge every eligible citizen to come out, vote peacefully, and return home. Your vote will count.”
As the sun sets on a day of frantic preparation and heightened security, all eyes now turn to tomorrow — a day that will determine the political direction of the State of the Living Spring.
