In a recent revelation, Hashim Abioye, Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), disclosed that sensitive election materials were distributed to local governments in the state several days prior to the February 22, 2025 local government elections. Abioye made this statement during an interview with the League of Veteran Journalists in Osogbo, Osun State.
According to Abioye, the OSSIEC took all necessary steps to ensure a smooth electoral process. “We distributed election materials to all local governments on the Tuesday before the election. We did everything we were supposed to do to ensure the election’s success,” he stated. Abioye also added that the OSSIEC had provided daily meals for the deployed security personnel, and they had no reason to condemn the election.
However, the OSSIEC Chairman revealed that there were attempts to frustrate the electoral process. He disclosed that the Commission had received intelligence reports indicating some individuals were trying to scuttle the election without justification. “There were even calls for my arrest prior to the election, despite our efforts to ensure credibility and fairness,” Abioye said.
Abioye also addressed the question of legitimacy surrounding the local government officials. He emphasized that the All Progressives Congress (APC) members elected during the October 22, 2022 local government election in the state no longer had valid tenure due to judicial pronouncements. “The Federal High Court has invalidated the election that brought them to power, and their request for a stay of execution was rejected,” he explained.
The OSSIEC Chairman expressed disappointment over the involvement of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) in the Osun local government election. “The IGP and AGF were wrong in their stand on the Osun local government election. The AGF is only using his office to suppress the will of the people of Osun State,” Abioye concluded.
In light of this controversy, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. However, one thing is clear: the OSSIEC has maintained its stance on the legitimacy of the February 22, 2025 polls, and the rule of law must be respected.
As the country watches the developments in Osun State, one can only hope that the electoral process will be upheld, and the legitimate winners will be recognized. It is crucial to respect the democratic process and the will of the people, and the OSSIEC’s stance on this matter is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
