Residents of Osun state’s capital, Osogbo, have remained home, fearing a breakdown in law and order as the All Progressives Congress (APC) holds its gubernatorial primary poll in the state.
Most roadways were deserted in several regions of the capital visited by journalists, and business activity was halted owing to fear of violence.
During a visit to the majority of the wards in Osogbo Local Government, APC members were observed doing their accreditation while voting had yet to begin.
In addition, security troops from the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Osun Commands were stationed in most critical areas throughout the capital.
Party leaders were also seen in most of the wards, ready to vote after being certified.
The state capital is quiet, with no reports of violence, and commercial buses known as “Krope” continue to operate as usual, with vehicular activity.
Former Deputy Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly, Akintunde Adegboye, expressed confidence that the primary election would be free of squabbles.
According to him, “The accreditation would be concluded while the election follows before the winner would emerge being a direct primary.”
Adegboye urged members to be calm and accept the primary results in good faith.
Wasiu Adeolu, one of the APC members who spoke with reporters, said he felt the primary poll will be free and fair.
Adeolu hoped that by the end of the day on July 16, a candidate will emerge as the governorship flagbearer.
He also urged all warring factions inside the party to bury all hatchets in order for the party to succeed in future elections.
Another party member, Abimbola Oludare, expressed confidence that the primary election outcome would be acceptable to all parties contending for the governorship ticket.
“I am confident that after the primary election, the party will be more united with a common front towards the July 16 gubernatorial election.
“I also wants all faction to embrace peace because that is what is needed at this crucial period.”
