In a remarkable turn of events, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has emerged victorious in all chairmanship and councillorship seats across the 30 local government areas (LGAs) in Osun State. This historic win was announced by Hashim Abioye, the Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), during a press conference held on Saturday.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including warnings from the police and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, to postpone the election due to potential security threats, the OSSIEC proceeded with the poll as planned. Voting commenced as early as 8 a.m. in various local governments throughout the state, including Ede North LGA, where Governor Ademola Adeleke cast his ballot.
Governor Adeleke described the electoral process as peaceful, emphasizing the importance of maintaining harmony in Osun State. He stated, “The process has been very peaceful. I made a broadcast to my good people of Osun State that this election should be peaceful, there should be no violence because Osun State is a very peaceful state.”
However, the road to conducting these elections was not without its hurdles. Prior to the poll, the OSSIEC chairman accused the police of sealing the commission’s headquarters in Osogbo, the state capital, and arresting some personnel. In response, Abioye revealed that the commission relocated to an undisclosed location to fulfill its constitutional duty.
On Friday, the police issued a caution against proceeding with the election, citing credible intelligence reports indicating a likelihood of violence. This warning came after the AGF advised Governor Adeleke to put the local government election on hold. According to the AGF, the Court of Appeal, Akure division, nullified a previous judgment of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, delivered on November 25, 2022. The appellate court’s verdict reinstated the All Progressives Congress (APC) local council chairmen who had been previously removed.
Tragically, tensions escalated earlier in the week when at least six individuals lost their lives in clashes between APC and PDP members over the control of local government councils. Governor Adeleke had raised concerns on Sunday about APC members allegedly receiving support from security agencies to seize council secretariats. He urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene by cautioning one of his ministers, Gboyega Oyetola of the APC, but it seems that no preventive measures were implemented, leading to further conflict.
Despite these challenges, the PDP’s resounding victory underscores the party’s strong presence and support base in Osun State. As the dust settles, attention now turns to how the new leadership will address the lingering tensions and work towards fostering unity and progress within the state.
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