Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain the highest standards of integrity throughout the ongoing election in the state.

Mr Adeleke made this call in a statement on his X account on Saturday as vote counting commenced across the state.

“Against all odds, the people of Osun State have turned out in large numbers and are speaking with one voice,” Mr Adeleke said. “I also call on INEC to uphold the highest standards of integrity throughout this process.”

Commending and urging security agencies to remain vigilant, Mr Adeleke said, “The safety and protection of our people is paramount. 

“I commend the security agencies deployed for this election and urge them to remain vigilant as we move into the collation of results; from polling units to wards to local government areas.”

According to the incumbent governor, the federal government has provided adequate security, adding that he is confident in the professionalism of all institutions involved.

“Democracy is at its strongest when we honour the wishes of our people and protect the sanctity of their votes. To every Osun citizen: I urge you to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and committed to this democratic moment,” he added.

Mr Adeleke of the Accord Party won his polling unit with 420 votes, defeating 14 other candidates who competed in the race.

His major challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), polled 22 votes at the unit, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salaam, got only one vote.