Osun LG Polls to Hold Saturday Despite Federal Government’s Warning – Gov. Adeleke
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed that the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, will proceed as planned, despite warnings from the Federal Government.
Speaking on Friday, February 21, while receiving a delegation of civil society groups monitoring the elections, Governor Adeleke assured that the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) had made adequate preparations to ensure a smooth electoral process.
“I welcome you all to Osun State. Our people are prepared for elections tomorrow. They yearn to have their choices as chairmen and councillors,” he stated.
The governor commended OSSIEC for its preparations, noting that multiple political parties were participating and that the process would be fair and transparent.
“OSSIEC has done a marvellous job in preparing for the elections, according to reports at my disposal. Several political parties are involved, and I believe there will be a level playing field for all to test their popularity with the masses,” Adeleke added.
Addressing concerns over the legality of the elections, Adeleke emphasized that democracy operates on the rule of law, not personal interpretations.
“My advice to all parties, including local and national stakeholders, is to abide by democratic norms. As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help,” he asserted.
The governor expressed confidence that the elections would usher in rapid development at the grassroots level and urged residents to remain peaceful.
“Election is going to hold, and the outcome will fast-track development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is a truly peaceful state,” he said.
Governor Adeleke’s stance comes days after the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, cautioned against holding the elections before October 2025.
According to him, the tenure of the current local government chairmen and councillors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) had not yet expired, making any new elections before then illegal.