The eight-year tenure of Governor Rauf Aregbesola is gradually winding up as the residents of the state troop to the polls today, Saturday, September 22, to decide who will be the next governor of the state of Osun.
Although there are 48 parties and thus 48 governorship candidates cleared to contest for September 22 governorship election in Osun state, about five of them are expected to be the major contenders jostling for the 1,246,915 votes in the state.

These are a former secretary to the state government, Fatai Akinbade of the ADC; immediate past secretary to the state government, Moshood Adeoti of the ADP; the candidate of the governing APC, Adegboyega Oyetola; a senator, Ademola Adeleke of the PDP; and a former senator, Iyiola Omisore of the SDP.

Who will Osun people give the mandate to become the next state governor among these candidates? Is it going to be Oyetola? Adeleke? Omisore? Or a new fresh face?

TMAQTALK is on ground, live and direct from Osun state, to bring you insightful live updates as Osun people troop out to cast their votes for their preferred candidates today, Saturday, September 22, 2018.

Don’t forget to refresh your browser always for fresh updates.

OBSERVATION: 11.28am: There is a massive turn out of voters as observers commend INEC and security agencies. The head of foreign election observer for Osun 2018 election, Ketil Karlson, said the conduct of the election not only impressive but commendable.

He said he was amazed about the large turnout of people to perform their civil rights.

11.12am: Fatai Akinbade, ADC governorship candidate, casting his vote at ward 3, unit 1, Ogbagba.
9. 51am: People conduct themselves in orderly manner as voting commences in LA primary school, ward 1 unit 2. The APC governorship candidate, Gboyega Oyetola, is yet to arrive.

9.40am: Senator Adeleke addresses the newsmen. The PDP candidate said he would emerge the winner of the election, provided it is free and fair.

8.45am: Accreditation of voters started in Oyetola home town, Iragbiji.

8.44am: Reports reaching us from our correspondent state that the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP, Senator Adeleke has cast his vote. He reportedly voted at about 8:08am. Senator Adeleke voted at Ward 07 in Sagba Abogunde area of Ede North.

8. 30am: There is morning shower in Ede area of the state. Hopefully the people of Ede will defy the early morning rain to come and vote for their preferred candidates.

8am: Polling units are being set up by INEC staff across the state as residents troop out to check their names on the voters accreditation list.

8am: Quick facts you should know as the election starts in a moment:

-1,687,492 registered voters

-48 governorship candidates

-1,246,915 PVC distributed