THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has secured victory in all chairmanship and councillorship positions across the 30 local government areas (LGAs) of Osun State.
This was announced by the Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Hashim Abioye, during a press conference yesterday.
Despite warnings from the police and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, to suspend the election, the commission proceeded with the poll, citing a ruling by the Osun State High Court in Ilesa. The court had directed the electoral body to conduct elections for the vacant chairmanship and councillorship positions in the LGAs.
Voting commenced as early as 8 a.m. yesterday in various local government areas, including Ede North, where Governor Ademola Adeleke cast his vote. The governor described the election as peaceful, emphasizing the importance of a violence-free process.
Earlier, OSSIEC Chairman Abioye accused the police of sealing the commission’s headquarters in Osogbo and detaining some personnel. He stated that the electoral body relocated to an undisclosed location to fulfill its constitutional duty.
The police had previously warned against holding the election, citing credible intelligence about potential violence. The warning aligned with the AGF’s position, who urged the state government to halt the process.
On Friday, the AGF referenced a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in Akure, which nullified a 2022 Federal High Court judgement in Osogbo.
The ruling effectively reinstated the All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen who had been sacked by the lower court.
Meanwhile, tensions between APC and PDP supporters escalated into violent clashes over the control of local government councils, resulting in at least six deaths since Monday.
Governor Adeleke had earlier accused APC members, allegedly backed by security forces, of attempting to seize council secretariats. He also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and restrain Gboyega Oyetola of the APC, a minister from his cabinet, to prevent further conflict.