The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has secured victory in all the chairmanship and councillorship positions across Osun State’s 30 local government areas (LGAs), according to the state electoral commission.
The announcement came from the Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Hashim Abioye, during a press briefing on Saturday.
Despite warnings from the police and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, the election proceeded, citing a ruling from the Osun State High Court in Ilesa that mandated the exercise.
Polling began early Saturday in all local councils, including Ede North LGA, where Governor Ademola Adeleke cast his vote. Adeleke described the election as peaceful and emphasized the importance of maintaining order. “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,” he stated.
However, the electoral process was not without controversy. The OSSIEC chairman accused the police of sealing the commission’s headquarters in Osogbo and arresting officials, forcing the commission to relocate to an undisclosed location to carry out its duties.
The police had earlier cited security concerns, claiming they had credible intelligence suggesting a likelihood of violence. The AGF had also advised against the election, referencing a recent ruling from the Court of Appeal in Akure on February 10, which overturned a Federal High Court judgment that had previously removed the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen from office. According to the AGF, the ruling effectively reinstated the former APC officials, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the new election.
Tensions had been high in Osun in the lead-up to the poll. At least six people were reported dead following violent clashes between APC and PDP supporters over control of local government councils. Governor Adeleke had earlier accused APC members, allegedly backed by security forces, of attempting to seize control of council secretariats. He also urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and caution Minister Gboyega Oyetola, but the plea seemingly went unheeded.
Despite these tensions, PDP has now assumed full control of all local councils in Osun State, with the election results further intensifying political divisions in the region
