Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has urged voters across the state to protect their ballots and remain at their polling units to monitor the electoral process as the governorship election gets underway.

Adeleke made the call on Saturday shortly after casting his vote at Sagba Abogunde Ward 2, Unit 9, in Ede North Local Government Area.

The governor arrived at the polling unit at about 8:32 a.m. accompanied by a large number of supporters and was accredited by the Presiding Officer at 8:35 a.m. before casting his ballot.

Speaking after voting, Adeleke expressed confidence in his victory, saying the election had provided the people of Osun with an opportunity to determine who would govern the state for the next four years.

He urged eligible voters to come out in large numbers to exercise their franchise, while stressing the need for them to protect their votes until the conclusion of the electoral process.

Adeleke also appealed to voters to remain peaceful and law-abiding during voting, counting and collation, urging them to stay at their polling units in line with guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The governor, however, raised concerns over alleged attempts by some police officers to interfere with the election.

He said he had received information about a police officer allegedly planning to disrupt the electoral process in Ede and called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to immediately redeploy the officer out of the state.

“We also received information about our supporters being scared away in Modakeke and some areas in the state by some police officers to disenfranchise them,” Adeleke said.

He further cautioned his supporters and other voters to be vigilant over alleged fake ballot papers, which he said could be introduced at some polling units to deceive voters.

Despite the concerns raised, Adeleke expressed optimism that the election would remain peaceful, credible and ultimately reflect the will of the people of Osun State.

He urged voters to remain calm, participate fully in the process and ensure that their votes are protected from the polling unit through the collation stages.