*Tinubu to INEC, security agencies: Ensure peaceful, transparent election *PDP, APM candidates step down for Adeleke*Police announce 42-hour movement restriction*Let ballot, not violence decide, IPCR declares Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Alex Enumah, Michael Olugbede, Adedayo Akinwale, Linus Aleke in Abuja and Yinka Kokawole in Osogbo As the countdown to today’s election draws to a close, the contest for the governorship has effectively become a two-horse race between the incumbent, Ademola Adeleke of Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, although other candidates are also in the race. This is as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to ensure a peaceful and transparent election as well as ensure that the will of the people prevail on the polls.The Nigeria Police Force has announced a 42-hour restriction of movement from 12:00 midnight yesterday, until 6:00 p.m. today, as part of comprehensive measures to ensure the peaceful, secure and orderly conduct of the election. Osun has 2,339,233 registered voters, out of which 1,906,3,90, who collected the Permanent Voters Card (PVC) are eligible to vote. Figures revealed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), show that Osogbo has the largest electorate in the state, with 167,704 registered voters, representing 7.17 per cent of the total register. It is followed by Ife East with 128,515 voters, or 5.50 per cent, while Olorunda has 123,063, representing 5.26 per cent. Ife Central has another 122,454 voters, or 5.24 per cent. Iwo has 106,813 registered voters, representing 4.57 per cent of the state’s electorate. Irewole has 96,528, which is 4.13 per cent, while Ifelodun has 94,870, which is 4.06 per cent, among others. The figures further showed that nearly half of Osun’s registered voters are concentrated in just 10 of the state’s 30 LGAs.INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna in a statement said the 1,906,390 PVCs collected represented 81.50 per cent.He added that the remaining 426,842 PVCs, representing 18.50 per cent, have been safely deposited with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in line with the Commission’s established practice.The Commission reassured political parties, civil society organisations, media, and the good people of Osun State of its total readiness to conduct a free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive election. Tinubu to INEC, Security Agencies: Ensure Peaceful, Transparent Poll The President, in a statement issued yesterday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also charged the electorate in Osun State to come out to discharge their civic responsibility and eschew any act that could disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election, while assuring the people of their safety before and after the polls.“As the people of Osun State head to the polling units to elect who will govern them in the next four years, I call on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure orderly conduct of the election. “The election must be transparent, free and fair. I urge INEC to ensure the integrity of the process,” Tinubu said.“INEC must use this last off-cycle election as a test case to demonstrate to Nigerians their full preparedness for the 2027 polls,” he added.“I have charged the Inspector-General of Police and other heads of security outfits taking part in the election to provide maximum security at polling units. No room should be allowed for troublemakers to disrupt the process.“Electoral officials and voters must be protected so they can perform their civic duties without fear or intimidation.“Voters should feel confident to go out in their numbers to vote for the candidate of their choice as all measures necessary to ensure a peaceful, free and fair election have been put in place.“Our elections must be credible, and the outcome of the Osun Governorship election must reflect the will of the people,” the President declared. The Candidates Out Of the 15 political parties and their candidates listed by INEC for today’s governorship polls, the most visible candidates have presented their manifestoes, gone beyond consultation and rounded up campaigns across the 30 local government areas including Modakeke area office.The list of those in the race include Governor Adeleke of (Accord Party), Salaam – ADC; Oyebamiji – APC, Farinloye Olarenwaju (Action Alliance), Esan Olajide (African Action Congress, AAC); Adeagbo Opawoye (African Democratic Party, ADP), Mustapha Adeniyi, Social Democratic Party, (SDP) . Others include Adesina Aseyemi-Doro (All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA); Adewale Adebayo (Allied People Movement, APM); Clement Adesuyi (Action Peoples Party, APP); Masilo Adeleke (Boot Part
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