The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has secured victory in all 30 local government areas (LGAs) in Osun State’s council elections, despite strong opposition from the police and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi.
The Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Hashim Abioye, announced the results on Saturday, declaring PDP winners in both chairmanship and councillorship positions across the state.
Election Held Despite Warnings
The elections were conducted following an Osun State High Court ruling in Ilesa, which directed OSSIEC to proceed with filling the vacant council positions. However, the exercise went ahead despite warnings from the police and the AGF, who argued that a Court of Appeal judgment had reinstated previously sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen.
The police, citing security concerns, attempted to halt the election by sealing OSSIEC’s headquarters in Osogbo and arresting some personnel. However, Abioye stated that the commission relocated to an undisclosed location to carry out its duties.
Governor Adeleke: ‘The Process Was Peaceful’
Governor Ademola Adeleke cast his vote in Ede North LGA and described the election as 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 said.
Rising Tensions and Political Clashes
The election comes amid heightened political tensions in Osun. Earlier in the week, at least six people lost their lives in violent clashes between APC and PDP supporters over control of local councils.
Governor Adeleke accused APC members, allegedly backed by security agencies, of attempting to forcefully take over council secretariats. He had urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and caution his party members, particularly Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, but tensions continued to escalate.
Despite these challenges, the PDP’s sweeping victory in the local government elections marks a significant development in Osun State politics. However, with legal disputes still ongoing, the final outcome may face further contention in the coming weeks.
