No Going Back On Osun LG Election, Says OSSIEC

-Unveils Voting Materials

The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has stated that all is now set for the local government election.

OSSIEC had fixed Saturday, February 22, 2025 for the conduct of local Government election in the state.

The commission on Monday officially unveiled voting materials during a press briefing held at its headquarters in Osogbo, Osun State capital.

The event was led by OSSIEC Chairman, Barr. Hassim Abioye, who assured the public of the commission’s readiness.

Abioye said, “We are fully prepared to conduct a free, fair, and credible election. All necessary materials have been secured, and we are working closely with security agencies to ensure a smooth process.”

The unveiled specimen voting materials included ballot papers, result sheets, and other essential election materials. Abioye also said the commission made cubicles for the election.

According to the OSSIEC boss, the distribution of materials to various local government areas would commence immediately.

“For the first time, we have a voting cubicle which will allow two persons to vote at a time to reduce long queue. Our ballot boxes are ready and the ballot papers are bar coded in a way that the one meant for a local government can not be used in another local government.

“As I am talking to you now, all the 18 political parties who registered are participating. We have not heard of any political party withdrawing from the election. We have not received any communication to that effect and that will not in anyway hamper the process of the election,” he said.

Representatives of political parties, the Inter Party Advisory Council, civil society organisations and National Orientation Agency, were present at the briefing.

Victor Akande, Osun IPAC chairman who spoke on behalf of the body, commended OSSIEC for the innovations it brought into the process, urging him not to allow external influences to distract him from delivering transparent and credible council polls.

“We appreciate the transparency of OSSIEC in this process and expect a level playing field for all candidates,” Akande said.

Speaking, Adebiyi Stephen, Acting State Director, NOA Osun State, and a representative of National Youth Council of Nigeria urged the commission to provide adequate security before, during and after the elections.

“Sensitive and train your party members so that they will know what to do. If they are not pleased with the situation of things, they should approach the court,” Stephen told political parties present at the unveiling.