Gov Adeleke ignores FG, says no going back on Osun LG elections holding Saturday
*LG elections not postponed, holds as planned - Governor's Spokesman
By KEMI KASUMU
The advice by Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government asking that the Osun State Local Government elections slated for Saturday February 22, 2025 be suspended has be torn to sheds as the state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, insists there is no going back on electoral exercise in the South West state.
The governor made his insistence known in a statement on Friday February 21 by his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, saying the election will hold.
“As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help. Election is going to hold, and the outcome will be a fast-tracked development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is a truly peaceful state,” the statement read, asking parties and other stakeholders to “abide by democratic norms”.
“Our people are prepared for elections tomorrow. They yearn to have their choices as chairmen and councillors. OSIEC 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 ground for all to test their popularity with the masses,” the governor said.
The Attorney General of the Federation had on Thursday called on Adeleke to instruct the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission to halt the election, warning that it would be invalid and a violation of the Constitution.
Fagbemi referenced the recent Court of Appeal ruling in Akure, which overturned an earlier Federal High Court judgment that nullified the previous local government elections conducted under former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. The ruling effectively reinstated the sacked council chairmen, whose tenure, according to the AGF, remains valid until October 2025.
He warned that any such election that may be held will not only be invalid since the term of office of the elected officials just restored by the judgment of the Court of Appeal will still be running until October 2025, but it will also amount to an egregious breach of the Constitution, which Governor Adeleke has sworn to uphold.
Also, Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor, Olawale Rasheed had on Thursday described reports from some quarters that the local government elections scheduled for Saturday will no longer hold as, fake.
The spokesperson, in a statement in Osogbo, charged members of the public to disregard the news.
According to him, “there is no election postponement. The fake news is the handiwork of the opposition desperately seeking the backdoor for power acquisition.
“Governor Ademola Adeleke has just conducted a state broadcast in which he urged voters to peacefully vote for their chosen candidates on Saturday. The Osun State Electoral Commission has also announced its full readiness for the election.
“All necessary arrangements have been concluded for a successful election.The public should ignore merchants of lies as the election goes ahead as scheduled.”
