The European Union Election Observer Mission scales for fairness and compliance with electoral laws ahead of the Osun gubernatorial elections.
The Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Peter Guschelbauer made this known over the weekend at the Government House, Osogbo while paying a courtesy visit to Governor Ademola Adeleke, assuring that the EU is interested in the entrenchment of democratic practices through free and fair elections.
Mr Guschelbauer said the European Union hopes to see the Osun election conducted in compliance with Nigerian national electoral laws especially as the Osun polls is a prelude to Nigeria’s general elections to be held in 2027.
The Ambassador accompanied by the embassy’s political adviser, commended the governor for instituting good governance and charged all political actors to play according to the rule in the interest of subnational stability and national prosperity.
While restating how dear Osun is to the Austrian state, the Ambassador pointed at the deep cultural connection between the Austrian state and Osun Osogbo groove, promising that his country is interested in cultural preservation, tourism exchanges and deeper business partnership between Austrian companies and their Osun counterparts.
Governor Adeleke had while welcoming the Ambassador particularly urged the European Union to take special interest in the forthcoming Osun state election, noting that “the observer intervention of the European Union will strengthen compliance with democratic practices and the electoral act for a free and fair polls.
“Our Government remains committed to free and fair elections as well as creating an enabling environment for investors and development partners. Osun State offers immense opportunities in agriculture, renewable energy, education, technology, mining and vocational development. We are ready to work with your country and Austrian businesses in exploring these opportunities for mutual growth and prosperity”, the governor posited.
In a related development, the British Embassy Team is also billed to visit Osun this week as part of its pre-election visitation and interactions with stakeholders ahead of the August 15 polls.
The planned visit of the British team and the expected EU election delegation are coming amidst rising political tension in Osun state due to persistent attacks and killings of Accord members by suspected thugs of the Osun state All Progressives Congress (APC).
Meanwhile, the Osun state government has signed a memorandum of Understanding with Green Apple HK Nigeria Limited for the deployment of electric vehicles for government departments to be later extended for public usage.
Governor Adeleke made the disclosure over the weekend while unveiling the first set of electric motorbikes under the Imole Electric Motorbikes Initiatives, calling the MOU a major step forward in the state’s sustainability transportation agenda.
The governor who commended the lead partner of the Green Apple, Ibukun Demurreen said the electric bikes are environmentally friendly and cost effective, promising that “very soon, Osun will see tricycles running on electricity. You will see
cars running on electricity.
“You will see buses running on electricity, right here in Osun State. This is what we are building for you: a future where you spend less on fuel, and keep more for your family, your children, and your business”, the governor noted.