Beyond The Ballot: The Untold Story of Osun’s 2025 Local Government Election

By Oluronke Kuku

The 2025 Osun State Local Government elections may have come and gone, leaving behind a mix of jubilation, controversy, and political tension. The electoral process, conducted under the auspices of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), saw candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emerge victorious across all 332 wards and 30 Local Government Areas of the State. 

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However, while the election was widely praised for being peaceful, allegations of violence, electoral manipulation, and disregard for court rulings have continued to cast a shadow over the process.

Massive Turnout, Smooth Process, and a Calm Electorate:

Across Osun State, voters participated in what many described as an orderly and peaceful electoral process. Reports from various polling units indicated that security officials, including the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, were on the ground to ensure law and order.

The electorate praised the process, calling it “free, fair, and smooth.” Mr. Abayomi, a voter from Ife Central, said, “I have never witnessed an election so peaceful. No violence, no intimidation. Everyone was able to vote without any trouble.” 

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Similar sentiments were echoed by party officials and observers, who lauded OSSIEC for conducting a credible election.

Also, in an interview with another electorate, Honourable Bamidele Salami, a member representing Ede South, Ede North, at the House of Representatives in Abuja. 

He emphasized on the prompt and punctuality of the electoral officials and their impressive conduct of the people during the election, He said, “the election materials arrived very early, the electoral officials got there very early. The very interesting thing is that the turn out was encouraging. 

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The turn out for the conduct of the election have also been very commendable with a peaceful voting environment. 

People were able to exercise their civic duties in a very responsible manner in obedience to the rule of law.

He also emphasized on the smooth security in the electoral environment. He stated that, “The most important thing is that people themselves are responsible. Where you see security is where there is threat, Osun is very peaceful and God have been kind to us. 

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Our Governor has been very peaceful man and has spoken to everyone to maintain peace and order, and ensure that there is no disorder and the Police have their reasons, for not coming. I think that is left to them, but the important thing is that this election is holding and is holding in a very peaceful and orderly manner and I believe strongly that all across the State, the same thing is happening. At least have called up to 3 different parts of the State where the election is holding and everything have been peaceful.”

Honourable Bamidele also applauds the logistical operation of OSEC. He states that, “Very good, It was actually amazing and the remarkable way of attending to the people and they arrived early, they came before everybody, we met them there. Their logistics have been very wonderful. I’m so impressed.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, in his post-election remarks, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the elections. “Osun is a peaceful state. I urged my people to come out and vote in a peaceful manner, and I am glad they heeded my call. This election has been a testament to the civility and maturity of our people,” he stated.

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Landslide Victory for PDP Sparks Controversy:

While the results signified a sweeping victory for the PDP, the total dominance of one party raised eyebrows among opposition figures and political analysts. The APC leadership in the state has rejected the outcome, alleging that the process was manipulated in favor of the ruling PDP. The party accused Governor Adeleke’s administration of employing intimidation tactics to suppress opposition voices and violating a court order that reinstated previously elected APC officials.

APC chairman in Osun, Alhaji Tajudeen Lawal, claimed that “this election was nothing but a sham. Our candidates were illegally removed, and despite a court ruling in our favor, the government refused to comply. Instead, they went ahead with this charade, declaring PDP candidates winners across the board.”

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In addition to claims of irregularities, reports emerged of violence allegedly orchestrated by PDP loyalists against APC members. The APC leadership reported the killing of one of its local government chairmen, Hon. Remi Abass, in what it described as “state-sponsored violence.” The party has since called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police to intervene and restore order in Osun State.

Davido’s U-Turn on Osun Police Chief:

Adding to the political drama, Nigerian music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, initially criticized the Osun State Commissioner of Police, blaming him for the alleged violence in the state. However, he later retracted his statements and commended the police for their efforts in maintaining peace. His reversal sparked reactions from both PDP and APC supporters, with some viewing it as a sign of reconciliation and others questioning the true state of security in Osun.

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Security Forces Step In as Tensions Rise:

In response to the allegations of violence, the Nigeria Police Force has vowed to restore order in the state. Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun ordered the deployment of additional tactical squads to Osun, emphasizing that no act of hooliganism or anarchy would be tolerated. “We are committed to maintaining law and order. Those found culpable of disrupting the peace will face the full wrath of the law,” a police spokesperson stated.

With tensions still high and APC leaders refusing to accept the results, political analysts predict that legal battles may ensue, potentially dragging the legitimacy of the election into prolonged controversy. While the PDP celebrates its sweeping victory, the APC is mobilizing efforts to challenge the results, creating a political climate that remains unsettled.

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Osun’s Political Future: Stability or Storm Ahead?:

The Osun State local government elections have left behind a tale of two narratives, one of a peaceful and successful democratic exercise and another of alleged electoral injustice and state-sponsored violence. As stakeholders continue to react, the coming weeks will determine whether these elections mark the beginning of a stable local government administration or a precursor to prolonged political instability. What remains certain is that Osun State’s political landscape is set for yet another round of debates, disputes, and possibly, courtroom battles.

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