Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, participated in the state’s local government elections by casting his vote at his polling unit in Sagba/Abogunde Ward 2, Unit 9, Ede. The governor, expressing confidence in the process, commended residents for maintaining a peaceful atmosphere and encouraged them to exercise their democratic rights.
Taking to his verified X account, Adeleke wrote:
“A few minutes ago, I carried out my democratic duty by casting my vote at my polling unit in Ede. I commend the good people of Osun for maintaining a peaceful and orderly atmosphere at polling units across the state and encourage everyone to exercise their democratic right. Local government elections are the closest to the grassroots, and getting it right starts with electing the right leaders. Together, we will make Osun great.”
Despite the governor’s optimism, the election has been marred by controversy, with major opposition parties pulling out at the last minute.
The Labour Party (LP) in Osun announced its withdrawal from the election, citing security concerns and inadequate preparations by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC). Speaking to journalists in Osogbo, LP Chairman, Adebayo Bello, stated that the lack of security arrangements for the poll forced the party to opt out.
Bello called for a postponement of the election for at least one to two months to allow OSSIEC to resolve legal issues surrounding the poll and ensure proper preparations.
LP’s chairmanship candidate, Oyebode Babalola, echoed similar concerns, saying the party was not confident about the security measures put in place.
“Although we are ready for the election, we are not going to participate due to security concerns. We have seen some traces that the election might be disrupted tomorrow, and we are not ready to put the lives of our people in jeopardy,” Babalola stated.
He also criticized OSSIEC for failing to provide accreditation tags for party agents, raising further doubts about the election’s credibility.
Similarly, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) also withdrew from the election. The party’s chairman, Adewale Adebayo, expressed disappointment over OSSIEC’s preparations, alleging that the commission’s officials were unreachable.
“We want to confirm that we are not participating in the illegal local government election slated for Saturday. We are very disappointed that all OSSIEC staff, including its chairman, have absconded from their headquarters since Wednesday,” Adebayo said.
OSSIEC Office Locked, Officials Unreachable
As concerns grew over the credibility of the election, the OSSIEC office in Osogbo was reportedly under lock and key on Friday. Journalists who visited the premises to collect accreditation tags were turned away by security personnel stationed at the entrance.
A security officer, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that no one had been allowed into the premises since Wednesday. Efforts to reach OSSIEC Chairman, Hashim Abioye, were unsuccessful, as calls to his mobile phone did not connect.
With the withdrawal of major opposition parties and uncertainties surrounding the electoral process, the credibility of the Osun local government elections remains in question. While Governor Adeleke remains optimistic, the absence of key players and unresolved security concerns cast a shadow over the legitimacy of the poll.
Stay tuned to 9am News Nigeria for more Breaking News, Business News, Sports updates And Entertainment Gists.
