The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has won all 30 local government chairmanship positions and 332 ward seats in the recently conducted Osun State local government elections, sparking mixed reactions among residents and political stakeholders.
The election, organized by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) under Barrister Hashim Abioye, was held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, despite controversy and legal battles leading up to the polls.
Tensions escalated in the state on Monday, February 17, 2025, when six people reportedly lost their lives as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) attempted to resume work at various local government secretariats.
Following this, the Nigeria Police, in a statement by Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, advised against holding the elections, citing security concerns and an ongoing legal dispute stemming from an Appeal Court ruling in Akure.
Despite the police warning, an Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa ruled in favor of OSSIEC, allowing the elections to proceed. In response, the APC withdrew from the election, leaving the PDP as the dominant party in the race.
After the election concluded on Saturday, OSSIEC announced that PDP candidates had won all available seats. The commission proceeded to issue Certificates of Return to the newly elected chairmen and their deputies on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
Later that day, Governor Ademola Adeleke swore in the new local government officials, warning them to avoid local government secretariats to prevent potential clashes.
The election outcome has divided public opinion in Osun State. While some residents commended the process, others criticized it for logistical challenges and alleged irregularities.
Kemi Adeyemi, a trader from Osogbo, praised the conduct of the election:
“I was able to vote without any issues. The officials were organized, even without a security presence.”
However, Adebayo Oladimeji, a teacher from Ilesa, expressed frustration over delays:
“We waited for hours before voting materials arrived. Many people got tired and left. This kind of inefficiency undermines the credibility of the election.”
Political analysts have also weighed in, noting concerns over the state government’s influence in the election process.
“When the ruling party controls the electoral body, there is always room for suspicion. The state government must work harder to build trust in the electoral process,” said Sola Akintunde, a political science student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
Despite the PDP’s landslide victory, OSSIEC Chairman Abioye raised concerns about interference from security forces, alleging that the commission’s office in Osogbo was sealed off by police personnel.
In a statement, Abioye claimed that some polling stations could not hold elections due to the arrest and harassment of OSSIEC officials by security operatives. However, he assured that alternative logistical arrangements had been made to ensure voting took place in affected areas.
While controversy surrounds the election, some residents have urged the newly elected officials to prioritize governance.
“What matters now is for those elected to focus on development. We need leaders who will address unemployment, education, and infrastructure, said Funke Oladipo, a civil servant in Ede.
As Osun State moves forward, the focus remains on how the new local government administration will navigate governance amid ongoing political tensions.
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