The wife of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Ngozi Adeleke, has urged residents across the state to come out and exercise their right to vote, assuring them that there is no need to be intimidated.
Mrs Adeleke made the appeal as voting commenced across Osun State on Saturday.
She encouraged eligible voters to participate peacefully in the governorship election and make their choice through the ballot.
Her appeal comes against the backdrop of heightened political tension in the state following weeks of accusations and counter-accusations between rival political camps.
The Osun governorship election has attracted significant attention, with the contest largely centred around incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party and APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji.
Concerns about political violence and intimidation had featured prominently in the build-up to the election.
However, Mrs Adeleke urged residents not to allow fear to prevent them from exercising their constitutional right.
Her position was echoed by calls from several stakeholders for voters and political actors to maintain peace throughout the electoral process.
The election is taking place across the state’s 30 local government areas, with voters choosing the governor who will lead the state for the next four years.
Earlier reports from polling locations showed voters turning out to cast their ballots, although some incidents and disruptions have also been reported in parts of the state.
Mrs Adeleke’s message comes as the state waits for the votes to be counted and the results eventually announced by INEC.