Despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding the upcoming local government election in Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke has confirmed that the election will proceed as scheduled on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
Governor Adeleke made the assertion on Friday while receiving a delegation from a civil society coalition, who are in the state to monitor the election. The governor emphasized that the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) was fully prepared to conduct the election and that voters are ready to exercise their rights.
“Our people are prepared for elections tomorrow. They yearn to have their choices as chairmen and councillors,” Governor Adeleke stated. “OSSIEC has also done a marvelous job in preparing for the elections, and several political parties are participating. I believe there will be a level playing field for all to test their popularity with the masses.”
Addressing the controversy surrounding the election, Governor Adeleke stressed that democracy is governed by the rule of law, and no one should take matters into their own hands. He urged all parties, both local and national, to adhere to democratic norms.
“As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help,” the governor added. “The election will go ahead as planned, and its outcome will lead to faster development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is a truly peaceful state.”
The governor’s comments come after an Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa on Friday granted OSSIEC the legal authority to proceed with the election. The court ruled in favor of conducting the election, as it found that the previous election held on October 15, 2022, had been invalidated. This ruling followed a case filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), one of the parties contesting the election.
The court noted that the 2022 election had been nullified by the Federal High Court and that the officials elected from that poll had been dismissed. The judgment further directed the defendants to proceed with the election scheduled for February 22, 2025, to fill the vacancies in the 30 local government areas of the state.
The court also mandated that security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army, DSS, NSCDC, and others, provide adequate security during and after the election to ensure a smooth process.
