#OsunDecides2026: Early turnout, voter enthusiasm across Ife polling units

Early voter turnout and visible enthusiasm marked the opening of Saturday’s Osun governorship election at polling units visited by P.M. NEWS across the Ife axis.

From Modakeke to Fajuyi Hall, Moremi High School and Ilare, voters arrived to participate in the election, while INEC officials prepared for voting and party agents took their positions.

At Modakeke Polling Unit 10, Ward 3, voters were seen undergoing accreditation after INEC officials arrived early.

The unit has 985 registered voters, with voting scheduled to commence at 8:30 a.m. At the time P.M. NEWS visited, voting had not started.

An APC agent at the unit, however, narrated an alleged incident involving a police officer.

She said she had gone to assist with the distribution of election materials when she heard a commotion among some people.

“I did not know what prompted the police officer to release the tear gas. I heard some noise, and when I looked, we started smelling tear gas,” she said.

The agent said she did not know the reason for the incident, adding that one of the officer’s colleagues subsequently began insulting him.

P.M. NEWS could not independently verify the allegation at the time of filing this report.

At Fajuyi Hall, Polling Unit 4, Ward 5, voters were also undergoing accreditation as election officials prepared to commence voting.

The unit has 985 registered voters. Voting had yet to begin at the time of the visit but was expected to commence shortly.

Agents representing the ACCORD Party and the APC were present but declined to comment when approached by P.M. NEWS.

At Moremi High School, Polling Unit 4, Ward 1, an early turnout of voters was also recorded.

The unit has 860 registered voters, while party agents were present to observe the process. Voters at the polling unit appeared enthusiastic and eager to cast their ballots.

P.M. NEWS also observed voter turnout at Ilare Polling Unit 019, Ward 1, which has 99 registered voters.

Party agents were present at the unit as voters gathered for the electoral process.

Proceedings at the polling units visited remained largely orderly, with P.M. NEWS continuing to monitor developments across the Ife axis and other parts of Osun State.