On this Democracy Day, I had intended to rest my pen. I wanted to leave the fate written on the walls of history to speak for itself. I thought perhaps the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy were enough testimony. Yet, in the final hour, a thought stirred within me, compelling me to write a message to all of us who have come together to form this sovereign nation called Nigeria. My message is particularly for those who believe that the business of Nigeria lies in the hands of a powerful few. Perhaps they are influenced by what the German sociologist Robert Michels described as the "Iron Law of Oligarchy" ,the tendency for power to concentrate in the hands of a small elite. Looking at our politics, our institutions, and our economy, one may be tempted to believe that the destiny of Nigeria is determined only by those who occupy powerful offices and influential positions. But history tells a different story. Nigeria does not belong to any president, governor, politi...
Says delay in local government elections undermines rule of law and threatens democratic stability in the state
The lawmaker representing Ijesa North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, has raised serious concerns over the prolonged delay in conducting local government elections in Osun State. In a direct challenge to the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Oke asked pointedly, “OSSIEC, when is our next local government election?”
Speaking in the context of recent developments in Rivers State, where local government elections are underway following a decisive Supreme Court ruling, Oke drew a sharp contrast with the situation in Osun. He expressed regret that the state government and OSSIEC failed to appeal the February 10, 2025 Court of Appeal decision that reinstated council officials elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“If the state government had pursued the matter up to the Supreme Court, like Rivers did, we might have a resolution by now,” he said, suggesting that the failure to do so reflects a deeper issue of political reluctance and legal neglect.
Oke, a vocal figure in the APC, criticized what he described as a troubling trend of selective obedience to court judgments. “As a party or a state, you cannot cherry-pick which court judgments to obey,” he said. “Every ruling is important when delivered on matters brought before the judiciary.”
He emphasized that such disregard not only undermines the rule of law but also sets a dangerous precedent. According to him, legal consistency and respect for judicial decisions are cornerstones of any functioning democracy.
The federal lawmaker further warned that continued delays in electoral processes could lead to political instability in the state. “Peaceful coexistence is essential for meaningful development,” he noted. “When you ignore court rulings and stall democratic processes, you open the door to chaos.”
Looking ahead to the Osun gubernatorial election slated for August 8, 2026, Hon. Oke disclosed that APC aspirants have already begun grassroots mobilization and campaigning across the state's 30 local government areas and the area office. He cautioned political stakeholders against crying foul after the fact. “When we win, I hope no one will come out to allege rigging,” he added.
With this bold statement, Oke not only signaled confidence in his party’s preparation but also issued a broader warning: democracy must be protected through consistent legal compliance, transparent governance, and timely elections.
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