The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has secured a clean sweep in the Osun State local government elections, winning all chairmanship and councillorship positions across the 30 local government areas (LGAs).
OSSIEC Defies Federal Warnings To Conduct Election
The Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Hashim Abioye, officially announced the results at a press conference on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
Despite warnings from the Nigeria Police Force and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, OSSIEC proceeded with the election, citing a ruling from the Osun State High Court in Ilesa. The court had mandated the commission to fill vacant chairmanship and councillorship positions across the state.
Governor Adeleke Casts Vote Amidst Controversy
The election commenced early on Saturday in all 30 LGAs, including Ede North, where Governor Ademola Adeleke exercised his voting rights.
Following his participation, the governor described the election as peaceful. “The process has been very peaceful. I made a broadcast to my good people of Osun State that this election should be peaceful, with no violence because Osun State is a very peaceful state,” Adeleke stated.
Police Clampdown and Legal Dispute
Earlier, OSSIEC Chairman Hashim Abioye accused the police of sealing the commission’s headquarters in Osogbo and arresting some officials. He revealed that the commission relocated to an undisclosed venue to fulfill its constitutional duty.
The Nigeria Police Force had previously cautioned against the election, citing security concerns. The AGF also directed the state government to suspend the poll, arguing that a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on February 10, 2025, in Akure nullified an earlier Federal High Court ruling from November 25, 2022. The appellate court’s decision effectively reinstated the previously sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) local council chairmen.
Political Tension Escalates, Casualties Reported
The election took place amid heightened political tension. At least six individuals have been reported dead since Monday following violent clashes between APC and PDP supporters over control of local government councils.
Governor Adeleke had earlier raised concerns that APC members, allegedly backed by security forces, planned to seize council secretariats. He called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and restrain former Osun State governor and current minister, Gboyega Oyetola, from escalating the crisis. However, the situation intensified, resulting in fatalities.
Implications of the Osun LG Election
The outcome of this election further solidifies PDP’s hold on Osun State politics but also raises legal and security concerns. The involvement of federal authorities and court rulings could lead to further legal battles, with APC likely to challenge the results.