Osun State to Hold Local Government Election in Constitutionally Recognised Areas
The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has announced that the upcoming local government election in the state will be held only in constitutionally recognised local government council areas. The election, initially scheduled for February 22, 2025, will proceed as planned, despite recent amendments to the original notice.
OSSIEC Chairman, Barrister Hashim Abioye, made the announcement on Friday, debunking reports that the state was rushing to conduct the election due to the local government autonomy judgement declared by the Supreme Court. Abioye emphasized that the news was “reckless and baseless” and that the commission remained committed to holding the election on the scheduled date.
The OSSIEC chairman explained that the commission had amended the notice to ensure that elections are held only in constitutionally recognised local government council areas, while also adjusting the timetable and schedule of activities to give political parties more time to conduct their primaries. This move aims to guarantee more inclusive participation in the polls.
The decision comes after the Osun State Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC) announced its intention to boycott the election, citing a lack of engagement with stakeholders and the failure to carry political parties along in the planning process. However, IPAC later backtracked on its boycott threat, revealing that the commission and its chairman were not willing to engage with them.
The OSSIEC boss has written to the leadership of IPAC to inform them of the commission’s decision and to reiterate its commitment to holding a free and fair election. The commission has also warned that the date of the election remains sacrosanct, despite the amendment to the original notice.
The local government election in Osun State is set to take place on February 22, 2025, and will be held in constitutionally recognised local government council areas. Political parties and stakeholders are advised to take note of the commission’s decision and to prepare for the election accordingly.
