PDP Wins All 30 LGAs in Osun Council Poll

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) secures victory in all 30 local government areas in the Osun council election, amid controversy and opposition criticism. 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has secured victory in every chairmanship and councillorship position across all 30 local government areas (LGAs) of Osun State.

Hashim Abioye, the Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), made this announcement during a press conference on Saturday.

Ignoring warnings from the police and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, the commission proceeded with the poll.

The commission based its decision on a ruling by the Osun State High Court in Ilesa, which mandated the electoral agency to organize elections for the vacant chairman and councillor positions across the 30 local government areas.

The exercise began at 8 a.m. on Saturday in various local governments across all 30 councils of the South-West state, including Ede North LGA where Governor Ademola Adeleke cast his vote.

After fulfilling his civic duty, the governor described the process as peaceful. “The election has been very calm,” he stated in a broadcast to the people of Osun State. “I urged everyone for non-violence because Osun is known for its tranquility.”

Previously, the head of the state electoral commission alleged that the police had sealed off the commission’s headquarters in Osogbo, the state capital, and had detained some staff members. However, Abioye stated that to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities, the commission relocated to an undisclosed location.

On Friday, the police issued a warning about potential security threats related to the election. They reported receiving credible intelligence suggesting a risk of violence.

READ ALSO: AGF Declares Osun LG Election Unlawful, Says Saturday Polls Can’t Hold

The police warning came after the Attorney General of the Federation advised the state governor to postpone the local government election.

On Friday, the justice minister announced that on February 10, 2025, the Akure division of the Court of Appeal overturned a judgement delivered by the Federal High Court in Osogbo on November 25, 2022.

According to the Attorney General of the Federation, the appellate court’s decision means that the previously dismissed All Progressives Congress (APC) local council chairmen have been reinstated.

A violent clash between APC and PDP members over local government council control in Osun State has resulted in at least six confirmed deaths since Monday.

Prior to the clash, the governor warned on Sunday that members of the APC, supported by security agencies, were attempting to seize control of the council secretariats in the state.

The governor, a member of the PDP, requested President Bola Tinubu to advise Gboyega Oyetola from the APC—a minister in his government—concerning an impending clash. However, it seems no action was taken to address this issue, leading to its escalation.