Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Osogbo
Tension now mounts in some parts of Osun State, especially Osogbo, the state capital, as the two major political parties in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepare for Thursday’s governorship re-run election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had, on Sunday, declared the governorship election held in the state, on Saturday, inconclusive and ordered a re-run in seven polling units of four Local Government Areas in the state.
The rerun will hold today in ward ward 05, Alekuwodo, Osogbo Local Government Area, Orolu, Ife North And Ife South Local Government Areas.
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Already, there was tension in many parts of the state, especially the communities where the re-run election will hold.
Security operatives including soldiers, police and DSS officers have also been deployed to the state to avoid a breakdown of law and order.
It was also rumoured that some politicians in both the PDP and APC have relocated to communities where the election will hold, even as they allegedly induced voters in the area.
Police Armoured Vehicles and hilux vehicles belonging to the DSS were seen parading the streets of Osogbo and Ile-Ife.
Police helicopters were also seen moving round, in Osogbo, and some other towns where the election will hold including Ifon, Ifetedo and Ipetumodu.
Also, both primary and secondary schools in the communities where the election will hold closed early, just as many shops were not opened for fear of attack.
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The Police have however assured that necessary mercenaries have been put in motion to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order during the re-run election.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the state police command, Mrs. Folasade Odoro said the police in collaboration with other security agencies are ready to ensure a peaceful conduct of the re-run election.
She warned miscreants against violence and other acts that may violate the electoral acts, just as he urged politicians to ensure that peace reign during the election.
She disclosed that the PDP leader arrested by the police, Alhaji Fatai Diekola had given useful information that could help the police in their investigations.