The inauguration of newly elected local government chairpersons and councillors in Osun State on Saturday marked a momentous yet turbulent chapter in the state’s political history, with the event overshadowed by accusations of electoral malpractice and violent clashes between opposing political factions.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), oversaw the swearing-in of the local government officials in a ceremony held in Osogbo. The event, however, was anything but ceremonial, as it occurred in the midst of deep political divisions, legal battles, and fierce resistance from opposition factions. The installation ceremony was attended by notable political figures including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who showed their solidarity for Adeleke amid the rising political tensions in Osun.
“I stand here today as a witness to this democratic process. The time has come for the new local government officials to carry the mantle of leadership and work for the people of Osun,” Adeleke declared, amidst applause from supporters.
However, what should have been a celebratory occasion soon became the focal point of controversy, with rival groups calling for the immediate cancellation of the local government elections held the previous day. This included a call from the African Action Congress (AAC), whose leadership accused Adeleke’s administration and the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) of manipulating the electoral process to favor the PDP.
The highly anticipated local government elections, which took place on February 22, 2025, were hailed by some as a success, but marred by allegations of voter suppression, irregularities, and fraud. OSIEC Chairman Hashim Abioye, who presided over the elections, described them as “peaceful” and “successful,” but many, including the AAC, vehemently disagreed.
“We demand the immediate cancellation of this sham election due to the blatant disregard for democratic principles,” said Akinlade Semiu, the Publicity Secretary of the AAC. “We are prepared to take every lawful action to challenge the results in court and expose the irregularities that have stained this process.”
The AAC claimed that sensitive election materials had been secretly transported to the private residence of Governor Adeleke in a bid to manipulate results. The party’s statement further alleged that pre-filled ballots were found at polling units, and election officers arrived with fabricated results, undermining the legitimacy of the entire process.
Despite these allegations, Adeleke’s administration and the PDP celebrated a sweeping victory in all 30 local government areas of Osun. For the PDP, the win solidified their control over the state’s local governance, but for the opposition, it only heightened their anger and mistrust toward the electoral system.
To make matters worse, the APC (All Progressives Congress) was quick to assert its claim over the local government positions, citing a controversial ruling by the Court of Appeal on February 10, 2025, which had reinstated the APC-affiliated officials who were previously ousted by the Federal High Court in 2022. The legal interpretation of the court’s decision became a point of contention, with the PDP-led state government interpreting the judgment differently from their opposition.
“We are not backing down,” declared Bola Oboh, the Osun APC Chairman. “We believe the court has spoken, and our people deserve to return to their rightful positions. The ruling has been clear, and we demand justice.”
Supporters of the APC attempted to forcibly seize local government offices in several parts of Osun, particularly in Osogbo, the state capital. Clashes between APC supporters and state government officials resulted in tragic consequences, with reports confirming at least six fatalities. The violent takeovers and the subsequent loss of life prompted an official condemnation from the Osun State House of Assembly, which called the actions “an invasion” of state institutions.
As tensions mounted, the Osun State High Court in Ilesa stepped in on February 21, 2025, ordering OSIEC to proceed with conducting fresh elections to fill the vacant local government posts. The ruling came after a suit filed by the PDP, which sought to address the political vacuum created by the annulment of the previous 2022 elections. Despite this ruling, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, advised that the elections be delayed, given the Court of Appeal’s judgment reinstating the APC officials. The state government, however, defied this advice, proceeding with the polls as scheduled.
The swearing-in of the new local government officials was a calculated move by Adeleke’s government to assert control in the face of mounting political and legal pressure. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who attended the inauguration, emphasized the importance of local government leaders honoring their promises and maintaining peace.
“To the newly sworn-in leaders, your duty is to serve the people, to be accountable, and to ensure peace in your communities,” Makinde said in his speech. “The era of using federal might to undermine democracy is over, and those who are unhappy with the results must go to court and not resort to self-help.”
But for the opposition parties, the events unfolding in Osun resemble a broader struggle over the future of Nigerian democracy. The tensions in Osun highlight a deeper concern over the role of electoral commissions, the legitimacy of election results, and the increasing use of violence in the political sphere.
As Osun State embarks on a new chapter with its freshly sworn-in local government officials, questions remain over the future of the state’s political landscape. Will the PDP consolidate its power, or will the APC push back harder, using the courts and political pressure? The next few months will certainly be crucial in determining whether Osun’s local governance can return to stability—or if the conflict will escalate further.
