 and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).){kind=link}
Governor Ademola Adeleke has confirmed that the Osun State local government elections will take place as scheduled on Saturday, despite ongoing tensions between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adeleke’s stance was conveyed in a statement on Friday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, affirming that the elections would go ahead as planned.
This decision follows a recent Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated APC-supported local government officials who were previously removed by the state government.
The ruling has sparked a fresh political standoff between the two major parties over control of the local councils.
On Thursday, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, cautioned Governor Adeleke against conducting the elections. He argued that the reinstated officials still have a valid tenure until October 2025, making a fresh election unconstitutional.
According to Fagbemi, “The judgment of the Court of Appeal has effectively restored the tenure of the elected officials, which runs until October 2025. Proceeding with another election would not only be invalid but would also amount to a serious constitutional breach. Additionally, the recent Supreme Court ruling affirming local government autonomy further underscores the obligation to ensure a lawful transition process.”
However, while addressing a delegation of civil society organizations in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke reassured the public that the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) was fully prepared for the polls.
“Our people are eager to participate in the elections tomorrow. They are ready to choose their leaders at the grassroots level,” Adeleke stated.
He praised OSSIEC’s level of preparedness and emphasized that multiple political parties were participating, ensuring a fair contest for all candidates.
The governor urged all political stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and maintain peace throughout the process.
“The election will take place as scheduled, and I believe its outcome will drive grassroots development. I encourage our people to remain peaceful, as Osun is a state known for its stability,” he concluded.