The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has revealed that no fewer than 18 political parties participated in the local government election held on Saturday in the state.
In a statement posted on X by OSSIEC INFO, the electoral body described the election as the first credible local government poll in over a decade.
The commission further stated that the process witnessed over 60 per cent voter turnout, with strict adherence to electoral guidelines. OSSIEC also described the election as violence-free and fully compliant with due process.
The statement partly reads, “18 Political Parties participated as against past experience of ONLY ruling party.”
Tribune Online reports that the election took place despite opposition from the Nigerian Police Force, which had advised the state government to suspend the exercise, citing security concerns. However, the state government rejected the police’s position, accusing them of partisanship and undue interference in the electoral process.
In a statement signed on Friday by the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the government reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and insisted that the election was conducted in accordance with a recent court ruling.
The government further accused the police of favouring the APC and attempting to obstruct the election, despite the court’s directive.
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