By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has amended the notice for local government elections and adjusted the timetable and schedule of activities for the forthcoming local government elections in the state.

The Chairman of the Commission, Barr. Hashim Akintude Abioye, disclosed that elections will be held only in constitutionally established local governments, not in LCDAs.

He made this known following deliberations by the Commission, which discussed the legitimacy of conducting elections into LCDAs and Administrative Offices. The Commission resolved to amend the initial notice to state that elections will now be held only in the constitutionally recognized Local Government Council Areas of Osun State. He emphasized that the date of 22nd February 2025 remains unchanged despite the amendment to the original notice. In his words, “The present amendment pertains to the original notice; there is no change in the February 2025 date previously given for the elections,” the Chairman declared.

He further noted that the Commission has also considered the concerns of some stakeholders, particularly the Osun State Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), and has adjusted the timetable and schedule of activities to provide more time for political parties to conduct their primaries. This adjustment aims to ensure more inclusive participation in the polls. He added that he has written to the leadership of IPAC to inform them of these changes.

The Chairman also refuted reports that Osun State is rushing to conduct local government elections due to the local government autonomy judgment declared by the Supreme Court. He described these reports as reckless and baseless, stating that they do not reflect the current electoral process under OSSIEC.