Osun State Council Polls: PDP Sweeps All 30 LGAs Amidst Controversy

 

The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of all 30 local government areas (LGAs) in the state’s council polls. This announcement, made by OSSIEC Chairman Hashim Abioye, has sparked intense debate due to the controversy surrounding the conduct of the elections. Despite warnings from the police and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to suspend the election, OSSIEC proceeded with the polls, leading to mixed reactions from various stakeholders.

The controversy is rooted in conflicting court rulings that have thrown the legitimacy of the polls into question. The Osun State High Court in Ilesa had earlier directed OSSIEC to conduct elections to fill vacant positions for chairmen and councillors across the 30 LGAs. However, in an earlier development, the Court of Appeal, Akure division, nullified this judgment on February 10, 2025, effectively reinstating the All Progressives Congress (APC) local council chairmen who had been removed by the lower court’s ruling. This legal uncertainty cast a shadow over the electoral process, raising concerns about the authority under which the polls were conducted.

Despite these conflicting judicial pronouncements, OSSIEC went ahead with the elections, which commenced in several local governments as early as 8 a.m. on Saturday. Governor Ademola Adeleke, a member of the PDP, participated in the voting process at his polling unit in Ede North LGA and lauded the exercise as peaceful. However, this characterization has been challenged by reports of violence and security threats linked to the polls. The Nigeria Police Force had earlier issued a warning against the election, citing credible intelligence that suggested a high risk of violence. In addition, the AGF, Lateef Fagbemi, urged Governor Adeleke to suspend the local government elections in light of the Court of Appeal's ruling, emphasizing the need for adherence to the rule of law.

The aftermath of the elections has been marred by violent clashes between members of the PDP and APC. Since Monday, tensions have escalated, resulting in the deaths of at least six people. These fatalities occurred as both parties struggled for control over local government council secretariats. Governor Adeleke has accused APC members, allegedly backed by security agencies, of attempting to forcibly seize control of council offices. The violent confrontations have further deepened concerns over the legitimacy of the electoral process and the implications for governance at the local level in Osun State.

The PDP's sweeping victory in all 30 LGAs has elicited mixed reactions from political observers, party members, and residents of Osun State. While PDP supporters have celebrated the outcome as a resounding affirmation of the party’s popularity, opposition members and critics have raised questions about the fairness and credibility of the election. Given the conflicting court rulings, the security challenges, and the subsequent violence, many stakeholders have expressed doubt over whether the election results reflect the true will of the people.

Several key issues have emerged from the Osun State council polls, shaping the discourse surrounding the election and its aftermath. The first and most pressing concern is the legal uncertainty caused by conflicting court orders. The fact that the Osun State High Court initially authorized the elections while the Court of Appeal later nullified that ruling has created confusion about the legal standing of the polls. Legal experts and political analysts argue that until these judicial discrepancies are resolved, the status of the elected officials remains in question.

Another critical issue is the violence and security threats that have plagued the elections. The warning from the police, combined with reports of fatalities and violent clashes, underscores the volatility of the situation. Electoral processes are meant to be free, fair, and peaceful, but the outbreak of violence casts a dark shadow over the legitimacy of the exercise. The security challenges associated with the polls also raise concerns about the ability of law enforcement agencies to maintain neutrality and ensure the safety of all citizens during electoral activities.

The legitimacy of the elections is another contentious point. With the PDP sweeping all 30 LGAs, opposition members have alleged that the process was skewed in favor of the ruling party in the state. Critics argue that a competitive electoral process should allow for fair representation of multiple parties rather than an overwhelming victory for one party. The allegations of manipulation, combined with the legal controversies and violent incidents, further fuel skepticism about the integrity of the polls.

As the dust settles on the Osun State council elections, questions linger about the path forward. Will the judiciary intervene to clarify the legal ambiguities surrounding the election? Will the violence subside, allowing for a peaceful resolution of the crisis? And most importantly, will the people of Osun State accept the outcome of the polls as a true reflection of their democratic will? These are the pressing concerns that will shape the political landscape in the state in the coming weeks and months.

The Osun State council polls have exposed deep-seated challenges within the state’s political and electoral framework. From conflicting court rulings to violent clashes and questions about legitimacy, the election has become a focal point for discussions on governance, democracy, and the rule of law. The resolution of these issues will be crucial in determining the future of local government administration in Osun State, as well as the broader implications for Nigeria's electoral process. The state government, security agencies, the judiciary, and political parties must work together to ensure that justice, fairness, and peace prevail in the aftermath of this contentious election.