JUST-IN: Gov Adeleke Defies Federal Govt’s Warning, Says Osun LG Polls To Hold Saturday

Governor Ademola Adeleke has confirmed that the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, will proceed as planned, despite warnings from the federal government. The polls will be conducted by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC).

Governor Adeleke made the statement on Friday morning while hosting a delegation of civil society organizations that had arrived in the state to monitor the elections.

The governor expressed confidence that Osun voters were ready to exercise their rights and participate in the polls. He also expressed satisfaction with the preparations made by OSSIEC for the elections.

“I welcome you all to Osun State. Our people are prepared for elections tomorrow. They yearn to have their choices as chairmen and councillors. OSSIEC has also done a marvelous preparatory job according to reports at my disposal. Several political parties are participating, and I believe there will be a level playing field for all to test their popularity with the masses,” Governor Adeleke told the election monitors.

Addressing the controversy surrounding the elections, Governor Adeleke emphasized that democracy is governed by the rule of law and stated that no one could override the authority of the courts.

“My advice to all parties, including local and national stakeholders, is to abide by democratic norms. As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help. The election is going to hold, and the outcome will fast-track development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is a truly peaceful state,” he added.

Earlier, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, had issued a warning against conducting fresh local government elections in Osun State, citing that the tenure of the current chairmen and councillors elected under the APC would not expire until October. He also stated that holding elections before then would be illegal. Despite this, Governor Adeleke remains firm in his decision to proceed with the election on Saturday.