As political tensions continue to escalate between the Osun State chapters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over local government administration, residents have voiced concerns about the state’s future.
The conflict began on Monday, February 17, 2025, when six people reportedly lost their lives following an attempt by council officials affiliated with the APC to resume work at local government secretariats across the state. This was confirmed by the Osun State Police Command.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), led by Barrister Hashim Abioye, scheduled fresh local government elections for Saturday, February 22, 2025.
However, the Nigeria Police, in a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, cautioned the state government against proceeding with the elections. Citing security concerns and legal disputes, the police referenced an Appeal Court ruling in Akure that remains a point of contention among the Osun APC, PDP, OSSIEC, and the state government.
Before this police warning, the APC formally announced its withdrawal from the elections.
A day before the scheduled vote, an Osun State High Court in Ilesa granted OSSIEC the authority to proceed with the polls.
Following the elections on Saturday, OSSIEC declared that the PDP had won all 30 local government chairmanship positions and secured victory in all 332 wards across the state. The commission subsequently issued Certificates of Return to the newly elected chairmen and their deputies on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
That same day, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke swore in the newly elected officials and instructed them to avoid the local government secretariats to prevent further clashes.
The election results sparked mixed reactions among Osun residents.
Some citizens commended the process, while others raised concerns over logistical issues and alleged irregularities.
Kemi Adeyemi, a trader from Osogbo, expressed satisfaction, stating, “I was able to vote without any issues. The officials were organized, even without security presence.”
However, Adebayo Oladimeji, a teacher from Ilesa, criticized the election’s efficiency.
“We waited for hours before voting materials arrived at our polling unit. Many people got tired and left. This kind of inefficiency undermines the credibility of the election,” he lamented.
Political analysts have also weighed in, suggesting that the state government’s role in the election may have influenced the outcome in favor of the PDP.
“When the ruling party controls the electoral body, there is always room for suspicion. The state government must work harder to build trust in the electoral process,” remarked Sola Akintunde, a political science student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
Despite the controversies, some residents have called for unity and progress.
“What matters now is for those elected to focus on development. We need leaders who will address unemployment, education, and infrastructure,” said Funke Oladipo, a civil servant from Ede.
During the elections, OSSIEC Chairman Abioye raised concerns that the commission’s office in Osogbo had been sealed off by Nigeria Police personnel.
In a statement released later on Saturday, Abioye also alleged that OSSIEC was unable to conduct polls in certain areas due to logistical disruptions caused by police interference and the arrest of some commission officials.
He assured the public that alternative arrangements had been made to ensure that elections were conducted in the affected polling stations.