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February 2025 will mark another landmark in the history of Osun State as residents of the state will be heading to the polls to elect their representatives at local government an ward levels.
The Chairman, Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, Hashim Akintunde Abioye had in a briefing with newsmen announced that the Local Government elections in the state will be held on February 22, 2025 while adding that that the need for the brief was under the provisions of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022, as well as the 2022 OSSIEC Law, Laws of Osun State.
Osun Spring recalls that the Federal High Court in Osogbo had in November nullified the October 15 local government elections conducted by the Commission under the immediate past administration of the All Progressives Congress.
The judge, Nathaniel Emmanuel-Ayoola, declared the election null and void on the ground that the conduct of the election contravenes Sections 29 & 32 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
Osun Spring recalls that APC was the only party that fielded candidates for the elections because other political parties had withdrawn from the polls. For that reason, the ballot papers did not indicate party symbols but only required voters to vote either Yes or No.
Consequent upon the judgement of the Federal High Court the electoral body withdrew the Certificates of Return issued to purported winners of the elections. The Executive Secretary of OSSIEC, Adedapo Ayodeji Adejumo, also stated that the Commission will not appeal the judgement of the court.
Recall that one of the major issues that bedevilled the last local government elections in Osun was the short notice that the commission gave before conducting the election which is in aberration to the one year notice stipulated by the electoral act.
Osun Spring commends the new leadership of Osun Independent Electoral Commission for adhering to the constitution in announcing the date for the next election and subsequently releasing the timetable for the election.
We however condemn the leadership of the Osun State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) for their criticism of the Ademola Adeleke led government over the composition of the leadership of OSSIEC and appointment of the Chairman.
We note strongly that occupying an office as such is about competence and character which the new Chairman of OSSIEC, Barrister Hashim Abioye does not fall short of.
In light of the preparation for the polls, Osun Spring calls on all political parties in the state to adhere strictly to all the laid down guidelines for the election as announced by OSSIEC.
Furthermore, parties should give a level playing ground to all interested members who wants to run for any office, while making sure their primary elections are free and fair.
In addition to that, parties should ensure that OSSIEC is carried along in all its pre election activities and also ensure that all pre election matters are resolved before the D-day.
Osun Spring wants to charge OSSIEC, to make sure that all ‘i’ are dotted and all ‘t’ are crossed, leaving no stone on unturned as preparation is being made for the poll. Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well.
On a final note, Osun Spring calls on the people of Osun State to ensure that the partake in the process and also believe that their votes will count.
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