The chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Hashim Abioye, has expressed concern after police sealed the commission’s headquarters in Osogbo.

Speaking on a radio program on Rave FM, Abioye said he was surprised by the development. However, he confirmed that the local government election had started in polling units across the state.

He also noted that there were no police officers at polling stations, saying, “Election has started in all polling units, but from what I heard, there is no visible police presence.”

Abioye added that he had left the situation in God’s hands following the police’s actions.

Earlier, the Nigeria Police had warned the state government not to hold the election due to security concerns and legal reasons. Reports showed that many polling units, especially along Gbongan-Ibadan Road and Ogo-Oluwa in Osogbo, were empty. No electoral officers were seen, but some voters were waiting.

Meanwhile, police officers were seen on major roads. Although there was a government order restricting vehicle movement from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., vehicles were still moving freely in Osogbo.