The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has announced that a total of 18 registered political parties have submitted their nominations to participate in the upcoming local government elections in the state. These elections are scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
During the opening of a 3-day retreat in Osogbo on Thursday, OSSIEC Chairman Hashim Abioye shared this significant update. This is the first time in the history of the commission that all 18 political parties are taking part in the local government elections. Abioye highlighted that this milestone represents a major achievement for the electoral process in Osun State, showing a high level of engagement from all the registered political parties.
Abioye emphasized that the commission is currently in the process of verifying the credentials of the nominations received from the parties. This verification stage is crucial as it ensures that all candidates meet the necessary qualifications and standards set by the commission. The verification process involves checking the authenticity of the documents and the eligibility of the candidates, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
“We are thrilled to see the participation of all 18 political parties,” Abioye said. “This is a testament to the vibrant democratic environment we are fostering in Osun State. For the first time, every registered party is actively involved in the local government elections, and this reflects a healthy democratic process.”
He further assured that the commission is well-prepared for the elections. The OSSIEC had announced the election date in February 2024, well ahead of any related Supreme Court judgments. This proactive approach is intended to give all parties ample time to prepare and to ensure a smooth electoral process.
The commission has successfully passed the nomination stage and is now focused on the verification process. Abioye mentioned that once the verification committee completes its report, the names of the cleared candidates will be published. This step is vital as it provides transparency and allows the public to know which candidates are officially approved to run in the elections.
Abioye also reiterated the commission’s commitment to adhering to the election timetable. He emphasized that OSSIEC is dedicated to following the outlined schedule of activities as published. This approach ensures that the elections are conducted in an orderly and timely manner, without any rush.
“OSSIEC is not one of those commissions that are hasty in conducting local government elections. We are committed to following the detailed timetable and ensuring that every step of the process is carried out meticulously,” he stated.
The OSSIEC’s careful planning and adherence to the election timetable demonstrate their commitment to a transparent and fair electoral process. As the election date approaches, the public and the participating political parties will be kept informed about further developments and the final list of candidates.
