Stakeholders in the February 22 local government elections have expressed their readiness and preparedness for the elections in Osun State.
Recall that the chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, Barr. Hassim Abioye announced February 22, 2025, as the fixed date for elections to the local Council in the state.
OSSIEC has since taken decisive action to ensure that the elections are conducted smoothly by abiding by the rules governing the conduct of elections in states across the country.
OSSIEC has already released the list of shortlisted haddock staff for the exercise and commenced training accordingly.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP, the OSSIEC chairman expressed his commission’s commitment to free, fair, and credible elections on February 22, 2025.
As a lawyer, Abioye stated his determination to allow the rule of law to prevail on whatever action the commission he headed took, adding that no stone would be left unturned to facilitate the flawless election.
Also, the State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment toensuring a peaceful election and urged all parties to adhere strictly to the rules governing the electoral process.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP in Osogbo, Osun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, CSP Yemisi Olawoyin Opalola cautioned political parties to avoid violence during the election.
Mrs Opalola encouraged eligible voters to come out and cast their votes without fear, as security operatives will be on the ground to maintain order before, during, and after the elections.
Residents are also eager to see democratically elected leaders again in charge of administration at the local government level in Osun.
Pastor Lawrence Omotayo Agbesanya, who spoke on the importance of local government administration, noted that the tier of government is the closest to the people.
He added that presiding officers at that level should be people known by residents at the grassroots level for assessment, accessibility, and accountability purposes.
Agbesanya, while pleading with Osun electorates to file out peacefully in their numbers on election day, urged political parties to play the game according to the rules, adding that security operatives should also be aware of their responsibility of securing lives and properties.
Meanwhile, political parties have started canvassing for votes through campaigns, political rallies, and house-to-house lobbying and strategising.
