Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke has confirmed that the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) will conduct local government elections on Saturday, February 22nd, as scheduled.
The governor made the statement on Friday morning, February 21, while receiving a delegation of civil society coalition members who were in the state to watch local government elections.
According to Adeleke, Osun voters planned to utilize their voting rights on Saturday.
“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 marvellous 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 told the visiting election monitors.
In response to the election debate, the governor declared that democracy is guided by the rule of law and that no one may take judicial authority.
“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.
“Election is going to hold and the outcome will be a fast-track development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is a truly peaceful state,” Governor Adeleke stated.
This comes just days after the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, warned against holding new local government elections in Osun State until October of this year, when the terms of the APC-elected chairmen and councillors will expire. He further stated that any action to the contrary would be criminal.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
