Despite warnings from security agencies and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) proceeded with local government elections on Saturday, resulting in a landslide victory for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Announcing the results, OSSIEC Chairman Hashim Abioye confirmed that PDP candidates secured all chairmanship and councillorship positions across the 30 local government areas. The elections were conducted following a ruling by the Osun State High Court in Ilesa, which mandated the commission to fill the vacant seats.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who cast his vote in Ede North LGA, praised the peaceful conduct of the exercise and called for continued harmony in the state. However, the process was not without tension.
The police had earlier sealed the OSSIEC headquarters in Osogbo and reportedly arrested some commission personnel, citing security concerns. In response, Abioye stated that the commission relocated to an undisclosed location to fulfill its mandate.
Law enforcement agencies had warned of potential violence, with the police claiming to have received credible intelligence about security threats. The AGF had also advised the Osun State government to postpone the polls, but the elections proceeded as planned.
With all seats now occupied by PDP candidates, the political landscape in Osun is set for further debates over the legitimacy and conduct of the electoral process.
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