OSSIEC to Conduct Local Government Elections in 30 Council Areas on February 22, 2025
The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has confirmed that the upcoming local government elections will be held across all 30 constitutionally recognized council areas in the state on February 22, 2025.
This announcement was made by OSSIEC Chairman, Barrister Hashim Abioye, during a session at the 44th edition of The Frontliners event organized by the League of Veteran Journalists in Osogbo on Wednesday.
Abioye clarified that the Commission had not disqualified any candidates based on their nomination forms or tax remittances. “OSSIEC will conduct elections in the 30 constitutionally recognized local governments. We did not disqualify any candidates due to tax issues or nomination form discrepancies,” he said. He further explained that only candidates who had failed to participate in the party primaries were excluded, as their names did not appear on the official party lists.
Regarding the ongoing litigations surrounding the election, Abioye emphasized that disputes are a natural part of the electoral process. He acknowledged that OSSIEC had seen the highest number of litigations under his leadership but reassured that these were part of the legal framework governing elections. “Litigation is a part of the electoral process, and no election is immune to it. We have experienced the highest number of litigations in OSSIEC’s history, but this is normal and legally expected,” he explained.
The OSSIEC Chairman further noted that the Commission has been proactive in preparing for the local government elections, organizing training, seminars, and retreats for its staff to ensure a credible and transparent process.
Emmanuel Agboola, a retired director from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who chaired the event, stressed that elections are a process and urged stakeholders to focus on maintaining credibility. “I am more concerned about the process and ensuring that the election is judged as credible. The job is difficult, and there will always be critics,” Agboola said, acknowledging the task facing OSSIEC.
Prince Adeyeye Oyedokun, Acting Chairman of the Osun State League of Veteran Journalists, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the vital role of the media in sustaining democracy. He warned against predictions of the election’s outcome, urging the public to respect journalists who risk everything to provide accurate and timely coverage. “The media is crucial to democratic governance, and it is essential for the media to continue its role in ensuring transparency in the election process,” Oyedokun said.
As the February 2025 elections draw closer, OSSIEC is focusing on ensuring a free, fair, and credible process, with media support being crucial to ensuring the election’s success.
