OSUN LG election: APC, PDP, LP others submit date for primaries
…As OSSIEC releases election guidelines, fixes nomination fee
By Jeleel Olawale
Ahead of the February 2025 Local Government Elections in Osun State, major political parties including the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party (LP) have taken significant steps by submitting dates for their primary elections.
This development underscores the parties’ readiness to participate actively in the electoral process organised by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC).
With preparations now underway, political stakeholders and aspirants are gearing up for a rigorous primary season aimed at selecting candidates for chairmanship and councillorship positions across the state’s local government areas.
This is as the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has released the Election Guidelines for the February 2025 Local Government Elections in Osun State, dated 22nd July 2024.
These guidelines provide crucial information and procedural details for political parties, candidates, and all stakeholders involved in the electoral process. The release follows the preparation efforts of 18 political parties, all of which have indicated their intent to participate by submitting schedules for their primary elections.
Key aspects outlined in the guidelines include the criteria for qualifying for chairmanship and councillorship positions, as well as procedures governing the nomination of candidates and the conduct of primary elections by political parties.
The guidelines specify that chairmanship candidates are required to pay a non-refundable nomination fee of N500,000.00, while councillorship candidates must pay N250,000.00. Additionally, candidates must submit necessary documents such as a tax clearance certificate issued in their personal name within the last 2-3 years.
Furthermore, the guidelines emphasise that the selection of chairmanship and vice chairmanship candidates by political parties must align with the unique characteristics, history, customs, and geographical distribution of each Local Government Area.
Procedures for the withdrawal and replacement of candidates mandate endorsement by both the state chairman and secretary of the political party involved before the final publication of candidate names by OSSIEC, except in cases of candidate death.
Aspirants currently holding political appointments at any level are required to resign from their positions before their respective primary election dates. The voting process during the elections will require all voters to possess a valid Permanent Voters Card (PVC) issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Additionally, the guidelines outline the procedures for the collation and declaration of election results, and provide details on the election tribunal and appeals processes.
These measures are intended to ensure transparency, fairness, and adherence to electoral laws throughout the electoral cycle in Osun State, fostering a credible electoral environment for all participants.
