Osun electoral commission chairman raises alarm as police seal headquarters

DDM News

The chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Hashim Abioye, has raised alarm over the sudden sealing of the commission’s headquarters.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), the incident occurred on Saturday as the electoral body proceeded with the contentious local government elections across Osun State.

Speaking during a live current affairs program on Rave FM, Abioye expressed shock at the police action.

He questioned the rationale behind the decision.

He stated, “I leave the police IGP in the hands of God.”

He added, “Election has started earnestly in all the polling units across the state.”

He lamented that no police presence was noticeable from the information available to him.

His remarks underscored concerns over the lack of security personnel at polling units.

This raised fears over the integrity and safety of the electoral process in Osun.

Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke participated in the election.

He cast his vote at a polling station in Ede.

Addressing journalists after voting, Adeleke called on Osun residents to remain calm and peaceful throughout the exercise.

The governor emphasized that the local government elections were a crucial step in strengthening democratic governance at the grassroots level.

He urged all stakeholders to respect the rule of law.

The sealing of the OSSIEC headquarters follows warnings from the Nigeria Police.

They had earlier advised the Osun State Government against proceeding with the election.

Citing security risks and potential legal challenges, the police cautioned against conducting the polls under prevailing circumstances.

They warned that the situation could lead to unrest.

The police stance aligned with concerns raised by opposition parties and civil society organizations.

These groups had questioned the legitimacy of the elections and the timing of the exercise.

Despite the warnings, OSSIEC proceeded with the elections.

They argued that they were acting within their constitutional mandate to organize and oversee local government polls.

The commission maintained that adequate preparations had been made.

They assured the public of a free and fair process across Osun State.

However, the absence of police personnel at polling units raised concerns among voters.

Election observers feared potential violence or electoral malpractice.

The Osun electoral process has been fraught with controversy.

Legal and political battles have dominated discussions in the lead-up to the elections.

Opposition parties challenged the legality of the elections.

They cited irregularities in the planning and scheduling of the poll.

Some legal experts questioned whether the elections could hold under the current administration.

They pointed to existing litigation and unresolved disputes related to local government structures in Osun.

The unfolding drama has placed OSSIEC at the center of a political storm.

Stakeholders remain divided on the credibility of the elections.

Supporters of the process argue that the polls are essential for democratic development at the grassroots level.

Critics insist that due process and legal guidelines must be strictly followed.

They stress that fairness is paramount.

With the police sealing off the OSSIEC headquarters, questions remain about the next steps for the commission.

The credibility of the election is also in doubt.

The situation in Osun continues to generate nationwide attention.

Political analysts and civil society groups are closely monitoring developments.

The lack of police presence at polling units has fueled speculation.

Many fear possible post-election disputes and legal challenges.

These concerns could shape the political landscape of Osun in the coming months.

As Osun State navigates this electoral controversy, residents remain uncertain about the future.

Political stakeholders await further clarity on the implications of the police action.

The outcome of the elections and the legal battles that may follow are uncertain.

Meanwhile, calls for peace remain paramount.

Adherence to the rule of law is crucial as Osun grapples with the complexities of its democratic process.

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