Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has insisted that the Local Government election scheduled for Saturday, February 22, will go on as scheduled.
His insistence on conducting the election is contrary to assertions by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who, in a statement on Thursday, asked the Governor to jettison plans to conduct the election, based on a recent Court of Appeal judgment.
According to the Minister, the appellate court judgment affirmed that the tenure of office elected on the platform of All Progresses Congress (APC), will expire in October 2025.
But, Adeleke said on Friday that the election will go on and will be be conducted by the State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC).
He added that Osun voters are prepared to exercise their voting rights on Saturday even as he expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation by the electoral body.
“I welcome you all to Osun State, our people are prepared for elections tomorrow, they yearn to have their choices as chairmen and councillors.
“OSSIEC has also done marvelous preparatory job according to reports at my disposal. Several political parties are participating and I believe there will be a level playing ground for all to test their popularity with the masses,” the dancing Governor told visiting activists.
On controversy over the election, the Governor asserted that democracy is governed by rule of law and that nobody can assume the authority of the courts.
“My advice to all parties, including local and national stakeholders, is to abide by democratic norms. As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help.
“Election is going to hold and the outcome will be a fast tracked development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful,” he added.
