Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has reaffirmed that the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025, will proceed as planned, despite opposition from the Federal Government.
In a statement released today by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor assured residents that the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has completed all necessary preparations to ensure a smooth, free, and fair election across the state.
Governor Adeleke emphasized that the state government remains committed to upholding democratic principles and ensuring grassroots representation through the electoral process. He urged all eligible voters to come out in large numbers and exercise their civic rights peacefully.
The announcement comes amid rising tensions between the Federal Government and the Osun State Government, with the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, earlier calling for the suspension of the elections, citing ongoing legal and political disputes.
“Our people are prepared for elections tomorrow. They yearn to have their choices as chairmen and councillors,” Adeleke said while addressing a delegation of civil society groups monitoring the elections.
He also praised OSSIEC’s level of preparedness and emphasized that multiple political parties are participating in the process, ensuring a fair contest.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the elections, Governor Adeleke maintained that democracy is governed by the rule of law and warned against any attempts to undermine the process.
“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 stated.
The governor urged Osun residents to remain peaceful and expressed optimism that the elections would accelerate development at the grassroots level.
“Osun is a truly peaceful state,” Adeleke concluded.