Despite concerns over the upcoming Osun State local government elections, Governor Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed that the polls will proceed as planned on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
Speaking on Friday while receiving a delegation from a civil society coalition monitoring the elections, Governor Adeleke expressed confidence in the preparedness of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) and the readiness of voters.
“Our people are prepared for elections tomorrow. They yearn to have their choices as chairmen and councillors,” Adeleke said. “OSSIEC has done a marvelous preparatory job according to reports at my disposal. Several political parties are participating, and I believe there will be a level playing field for all.”
Addressing the controversies surrounding the election, the governor emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles and the rule of law.
“My advice to all parties, including local and national stakeholders, is to abide by democratic norms. As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help,” he stated.
Adeleke also urged residents to remain peaceful during the electoral process, highlighting Osun’s reputation as a peaceful state.
The assurance comes after an Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa granted OSSIEC the legal backing to proceed with the election. The court’s decision followed a suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which sought to compel the electoral body to fill the vacancies in the 30 local government areas.
The court ruled that the previous election held on October 15, 2022, had been invalidated and declared void by the Federal High Court and subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal, creating legitimate vacancies in the councils.
Consequently, the court directed OSSIEC to conduct the scheduled elections and ordered all security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Army, DSS, NSCDC, NDLEA, Amotekun Corps, and local vigilante groups, to ensure adequate security before, during, and after the polls.
With legal hurdles cleared and security arrangements in place, Osun residents are set to head to the polls to elect new local government officials.
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