Paul Akomolehin, South West
DAILY COURIER - The political landscape in Osun State has become highly contentious following the February 22, 2025 Local Government Area (LGA) elections. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hailed the conduct of the election as a major triumph for democracy and the rule of law, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticized it, calling it a "disgraceful sham" and accusing Governor Ademola Adeleke of disregarding a Court of Appeal ruling.
The PDP, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, congratulated Governor Adeleke and the people of Osun State for what they described as a successful, free, and fair election. The party commended the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) for conducting an election that was "credible and transparent," asserting that the outcome demonstrated the will of the people of Osun State.
PDP further celebrated its overwhelming victory across all 30 local government areas, claiming that the results reflected their political dominance not only in Osun but also in the South West region. The party attributed the success to the remarkable achievements of Governor Adeleke in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure. PDP charged the newly elected local government officials to uphold the vision of Governor Adeleke and continue to prioritize the welfare of the people.
However, the APC, in a separate statement, vehemently rejected the results of the election and condemned Governor Adeleke for what they termed an unlawful act. The APC, led by National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, accused the governor of violating a Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated the previously sacked local government officials. The court had ruled in favor of the APC, nullifying an earlier decision by the Federal High Court that had invalidated the local government elections.
In their statement, the APC demanded that Governor Adeleke comply with the court's ruling, accusing him and his party of seeking to unlawfully retain power at the local government level by appointing "illegal caretaker committees." The APC described the conduct of the February 22 elections as an irresponsible political provocation that could lead to further violence in an already volatile state.
The APC also expressed concern over the "reckless waste of public funds" in conducting the elections and called on Governor Adeleke to cease what they described as "political infantilism" and respect the rule of law. They urged security agencies to remain vigilant to avoid a breakdown of law and order in Osun.
The crisis surrounding the Osun State local government elections stems from a series of legal and political disputes that have escalated tensions between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). In 2022, Governor Ademola Adeleke's administration moved to dissolve the previously elected local government officials, citing a court ruling that had nullified the election that brought them into office. In response, the APC, which contested the dissolution, sought legal recourse, arguing that the decision was unconstitutional. This legal battle culminated in a Court of Appeal judgment in February 2025, which reinstated the sacked local government officials and effectively nullified the actions taken by Governor Adeleke’s administration.
Despite this ruling, Governor Adeleke and the PDP pressed ahead with plans for fresh local government elections, which they conducted on February 22, 2025. The PDP hailed the election as a success and a victory for democracy, claiming a sweeping victory across all 30 local government areas. However, the APC condemned the election as illegal, arguing that it violated the court's decision and represented an unconstitutional move by Governor Adeleke. The APC also accused the PDP of attempting to undermine the rule of law by disregarding the valid judicial order, sparking a heated dispute that has deepened political divisions in the state. This conflict is part of a broader political struggle that has seen both parties contesting for influence at the local level, with each side claiming the moral and legal high ground.
As both parties dig in their heels, Osun State finds itself at the center of a fierce political clash that highlights the ongoing struggle over local government control and the interpretation of judicial rulings in Nigeria's democratic process.
