The governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has urged the populace to organize and turn out peacefully on Saturday to vote for the political figures they want to lead the state.

Governor Adeleke referred to Saturday's election as "a critical milestone in the national democratic development of Nigeria where all eligible citizens must actively participate to decide the future of the nation" in a pre-election statement he signed.

“My good people of Osun State, the general election is here, and we have a patriotic duty to actively join the electioneering process." Your vote is your power and your ticket to securing good governance for yourselves and our future generation.

“Our government has declared today a public holiday." All eligible voters must take up their voting cards and get ready for the historic elections tomorrow. The electoral authorities have provided an enabling environment for the conduct of free and fair elections. "Security agencies have also mobilized to protect citizens as they exercise their constitutional rights,” the statement read in part.

Adeleke, who disclosed that he had instructed security chiefs in the state to arrest thugs wherever they may be, warned against electoral violence.

“Security agencies are under strict instruction to clamp down on hoodlums and agents of violence." I have equally instructed service commanders to arrest thugs wherever they may be. This election must be held in a peaceful atmosphere. "Democracy is about choice, not killing and maiming,” he said.

He also urged Osun residents to maintain the state’s status as a peaceful state throughout this election period and beyond.