PDP Dominates Peaceful Osun State Elections Amid APC Withdrawal

Uncontested Victory for the Peoples Democratic Party

The local government elections in Osun State, held on February 22, 2025, wrapped up with a decisive triumph for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which claimed victory in all available positions. This includes securing all 30 chairmanship and 332 councillorship seats across the state. The remarkable result was announced by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) late on the same day, marking a significant political moment for the state.

One of the key factors contributing to the PDP's unchallenged success was the withdrawal of the main opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), before the elections commenced. The APC cited a court ruling that reinstated its previously dismissed officials, which complicated their campaign logistics and led them to step back from the electoral contest. This decision essentially cleared the way for the PDP to take all seats unopposed.

Elections Amid Challenges

The OSSIEC Chairman, Hashim Abioye, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the elections, noting that they adhered to constitutional provisions and existing electoral laws. Nevertheless, the process was not without its hitches. One significant logistical challenge was the police action to seal the OSSIEC headquarters, which impeded the timely accreditation of media personnel. This created a ripple effect that caused delays in the dissemination of information to the public.

Facing these setbacks, OSSIEC engaged with stakeholders and maintained their commitment to following the legal framework, ensuring that the process remained transparent and unhindered by external disruptions. Abioye acknowledged the issues related to media accreditation, explaining that these were largely outside the commission's control given the involvement of security agencies.

Despite these hurdles, the election day proceeded without major incidents, embodying a peaceful democratic exercise. With the PDP's comprehensive victories announced, the party has reinforced its influence in the region, laying a strong foundation for its future governance strategies in Osun State. The situation provides an intriguing pivot point for local politics and possibly even national implications as parties assess their positions in regions experiencing significant political shifts.