OSUN — Tension was reported in parts of Osun State early Saturday as voters and residents allegedly resisted attempts by suspected political thugs and some police personnel to interfere with the distribution of election materials.

Reports from several communities indicated that residents mobilised in response to alleged attempts to disrupt the movement of electoral materials and intimidate election officials and party agents.

In Modakeke, residents reportedly confronted police personnel after tear gas was fired during an alleged attempt to take control of election materials. The confrontation reportedly forced the officers to withdraw from the area.

A similar situation was reported in Ila, where residents allegedly confronted a group said to comprise suspected APC supporters and police personnel who were accused of intimidating electoral officers and party agents at a distribution centre.

At Iresi, residents were said to have challenged a convoy that reportedly arrived in the community during the night. The convoy was allegedly suspected of transporting unregistered voters and unauthorised election materials, although the claims could not be independently verified.

In Ikirun, residents reportedly organised themselves at various junctions and around polling areas, saying the move was aimed at protecting the electoral process and ensuring that voters could exercise their rights peacefully.

A voter in Ife North described the mobilisation as a spontaneous response by residents concerned about the safety of their votes.

The voter, identified as a Labour Party activist, said citizens should remain vigilant and resist any attempt to prevent them from exercising their constitutional right to vote.

The allegations of electoral interference and the involvement of police personnel could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report. Authorities and relevant electoral officials are expected to clarify the incidents and provide details on the security situation across the affected areas.