By Mohammed Bello Doka
With the February 22, 2025, Osun local government elections fast approaching, the state has become a battlefield of political interests, legal interpretations, and strategic maneuvering. The election, which should ordinarily be a routine democratic process, has now become a litmus test for political dominance, with major implications for the 2026 Osun governorship race.
At the center of the controversy is the lingering dispute between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government of Governor Ademola Adeleke and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) over the rightful leadership of local government councils. The crisis stems from the 2022 LG elections conducted under former Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s administration, which saw APC candidates win all available seats.
However, the PDP government, upon assuming power, challenged the election’s legality, leading to its nullification by a Federal High Court. The APC appealed the decision, and in a twist, the Court of Appeal ruled in a manner the party believes automatically reinstates its officials. This has led to a heated debate, with Adeleke’s government insisting there was no explicit court directive reinstating the sacked officials.
Power Tussle Over Grassroots Control
The stakes are incredibly high because control of the local government structure is crucial for political influence, especially ahead of the 2026 governorship election. Historically, LG chairmen and councillors serve as foot soldiers during election campaigns, mobilizing support at the grassroots level. For the APC, regaining control of these councils could provide a strong foundation to challenge Adeleke’s reelection bid. On the other hand, the PDP-led government sees the upcoming LG elections as a way to consolidate its grip on power, ensuring it remains dominant in the lead-up to 2026.
Accusations And Counter-Accusations
The APC has accused the Adeleke-led government of manipulating state institutions to block its members from reclaiming their seats. The party claims the administration declared public holidays and deployed security operatives to prevent its chairmen and councillors from resuming duties.
“They are acting in total disregard of the rule of law. The Court of Appeal's ruling is clear, but they are doing everything possible to suppress the judgment and force an illegal election on the people,” said an APC chieftain.
The Osun State government, however, has fired back, stating that the opposition is twisting the court’s ruling for political gain. Governor Adeleke maintains that the upcoming election is in line with constitutional provisions and has urged all parties to respect legal processes rather than resorting to political blackmail.
Implications For The 2026 Governorship Race
Beyond the legal and political battles, the outcome of this election will set the tone for the 2026 Osun governorship race. If the APC succeeds in reclaiming the LG positions, it will give the party a significant advantage in mobilizing support against Adeleke’s reelection bid. Conversely, if the PDP secures victory in the local government polls, it will solidify its hold on power, making it harder for the opposition to mount a serious challenge in 2026.
Security agencies are now on high alert, as fears grow that the political tension could escalate into violence. Political analysts warn that if the situation is not carefully managed, it could lead to a crisis that threatens the stability of the state.
For now, all eyes remain on Osun, where the battle for grassroots control is shaping up to be the first major political showdown ahead of the 2026 governorship election.