The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has secured victory in all chairmanship and councillorship seats across the 30 local government areas (LGAs) of Osun State.
The Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Hashim Abioye, announced the outcome at a press briefing on Saturday.
Despite warnings from the police and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, the commission proceeded with the election, citing a ruling from the Osun State High Court in Ilesa that mandated the polls for vacant local government positions.
Voting commenced as early as 8am across all 30 LGAs, including Ede North, where Governor Ademola Adeleke cast his ballot. Following his vote, the governor described the election as peaceful, urging residents to maintain order.
Meanwhile, the OSSIEC chairman accused the police of sealing the commission’s headquarters in Osogbo and arresting staff. To ensure the election proceeded, officials relocated to an undisclosed location.
On Friday, the police had warned against holding the poll due to security threats, claiming intelligence suggested possible violence. The AGF also directed the governor to suspend the election, citing a Court of Appeal ruling from 10 February 2025 that overturned a previous Federal High Court judgement. The ruling reinstated All Progressives Congress (APC) local council chairmen who had been removed by the lower court.
Tensions between PDP and APC supporters have escalated, with clashes leading to at least six fatalities since Monday. The violence followed allegations from Governor Adeleke that APC members, backed by security forces, attempted to take control of local council offices.
The governor had urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and caution his minister, Gboyega Oyetola, to prevent further unrest. However, the situation has continued to deteriorate.