Court Directs OSIEC to Hold Osun Local Government Elections

OSIEC Mandated by Court to Organize Elections in Osun

An Osun State High Court in Osogbo has directed the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to proceed with the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025. Presiding over the case filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against OSIEC and its Chairman, Hashim Abioye, Justice A. Aderigbigbe declared vacancies in all 30 local government areas, citing previous judgments that nullified the October 2022 elections. The court also instructed security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Army, Department of State Security Services (DSS), and others, to ensure adequate security during and after the elections.

This ruling comes shortly after the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, advised Governor Ademola Adeleke to suspend the elections, referencing a Court of Appeal decision that reinstated previously sacked local government officials. Despite this federal advisory, the state court’s decision mandates that OSIEC proceed with the electoral process as planned.

The situation has led to mixed reactions among Osun State residents, with some expressing concerns over potential legal conflicts and the implications for local governance. As the election date approaches, all eyes are on OSIEC and state authorities to observe how they will navigate the directives from both state and federal levels.

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