Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has assured all stakeholders of non-interference in the forthcoming local government election slated for February 22nd, 2025, promising non-interference from the state government.
Some groups and members of the opposition parties had accused the chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Hashim Abioye, of being a member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, claiming he is already bias.
They asked Abioye to recuse himself from conducting the forthcoming elections, saying if he refuses, the state governor should replace him with someone who doesn’t belong to any political party.
Even through Abioye has refuted this claim as often as he can, insinuation abound of his alleged partiality.
Notwithstanding, the governor has said he would not dabble into the affairs of the OSSIEC, calling on all political players to put their hats in the ring, peacefully campaign for their candidates and restrain from provoking trouble.
The governor who hailed the peaceful campaigns by various political parties ahead of the elections, urged candidates across the parties to sell their agenda to the voting public instead of resorting to violence or arm twisting.
He said, “As a government, we are committed to free and fair elections. We have followed the preparatory activities of the state electoral commission and we assure the public that we respect the independence of the commission to conduct credible elections.
“We are highly educated in Osun state. Our literacy level is at an all time high. This is not a state where residents can be lied to. They read and digest court rulings and political subjects without being hoodwinked. I urge our people to get prepared for February 22. It is an opportunity to vote for your preferred council chairmen and councilors.
“We are a nation governed by law. The judiciary, like it has been said recently, is the harbinger of hope. We must avoid misrepresentation and misinformation about court processes. We have a sacred duty to avoid fake news. It is an offence punishable under the law.”
Disclosing that he is in possession of reports that some elements within the opposition party are planning to cause crisis before the elections, Adeleke asked security agencies to deal decisively with suck crisis plotters.
According to him, “We have credible reports of plots by elements within the opposition to foment crisis in Osun state. I warn those plotting such evil to desist because of its grave consequences. As the Chief Security Officer of this state, I have directed security agencies to deal decisively with any promoter of violence within the context of rule of law. We will not allow this state to be plunged into a baseless conflict.”
“Democracy is about ballot papers, not guns and cutlass. Go to the poll on the 22nd. Make your preference known in peaceful manners. Osun is a bastion of democracy. We are ready as we have the capacity to defend our democratic heritage”, the governor noted in the statement.
