The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has announced that the upcoming local government elections in the state, scheduled for February 22, 2025, will be held exclusively in the 30 constitutionally recognized council areas. This announcement was made by OSSIEC Chairman, Barrister Hashim Abioye, during a discussion at the 44th edition of The Frontliners organized by the League of Veteran Journalists in Osogbo on Wednesday.
In his address, Abioye clarified that no candidates were disqualified based on their nomination forms or tax remittances. He emphasized that the only disqualifications were for candidates whose names were not part of the political party lists or who had not participated in the party primaries. “We did not disqualify any candidate based on nomination forms or tax remittances. We only disqualified names on the list which OSSIEC noticed did not partake in the party primaries,” he explained.
Abioye also discussed the role of litigation in the electoral process, noting that elections worldwide are often accompanied by legal challenges. He revealed that under his leadership, OSSIEC has seen the highest number of litigations, though he stressed that this was a normal part of the electoral system. “Litigation is part of the electoral process, and there is no election anywhere where litigation is not encountered,” he said, acknowledging that such legal battles are common in the lead-up to elections.
The OSSIEC Chairman highlighted that the Commission had taken significant steps to ensure the credibility of the upcoming election, including organizing training, seminars, and retreats for its staff. These efforts are part of the Commission’s ongoing commitment to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.
Emmanuel Agboola, the chairman of the occasion and a retired director of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), praised the efforts of the Inter Party Advisory Council, Osun chapter, for their support of OSSIEC. He emphasized that while elections are challenging, the key focus should be on ensuring the process is fair and credible, even amidst challenges.
Prince Adeyeye Oyedokun, acting Chairman of the Osun State League of Veteran Journalists, stressed the critical role of the media in supporting democracy. He acknowledged that journalists play an essential part in the electoral process, ensuring that the public is kept informed and that democracy is upheld. Oyedokun also expressed concern over predictions made by those against the electoral process, urging the public to respect journalists for their vital role in ensuring transparency and accountability.