The European Union has confirmed it will observe the August 15 Osun governorship election, while a British Embassy delegation begins stakeholder engagements ahead of the poll. Governor Adeleke also unveils electric mobility plans
EU Confirms Election Observation for Osun Poll as British Delegation Arrives
The European Union Election Observer Mission has confirmed it will deploy observers for the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, while a delegation from the British Embassy is expected in the state this week for consultations with key stakeholders ahead of the August 15 poll.
The disclosure was made during a courtesy visit by the Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Peter Guschelbauer, to Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Government House in Osogbo.
Guschelbauer said the European Union remained committed to strengthening democratic governance through the observation of credible elections, noting that the Osun governorship poll would serve as an important precursor to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
“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 said.
The envoy, who was accompanied by the embassy’s political adviser, also commended the Adeleke administration for what he described as its commitment to good governance and urged political stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully and in accordance with democratic principles.
He further highlighted Austria’s longstanding cultural relationship with Osun through the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, expressing interest in deepening cooperation in cultural preservation, tourism promotion and commercial partnerships between Austrian and Osun-based businesses.
Responding, Governor Adeleke welcomed the planned deployment of EU election observers, describing it as a positive step towards strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.
“The observer intervention of the European Union will strengthen compliance with democratic practices and the Electoral Act for a free and fair poll,” Adeleke said.
He added: “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’s spokesman also disclosed that a British Embassy delegation is scheduled to visit Osun this week for pre-election consultations and stakeholder engagements ahead of the governorship election.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Green Apple HK Nigeria Limited to introduce electric vehicles into government operations, with plans to gradually extend the initiative to public transportation across the state.
Speaking during the unveiling of the first batch of electric motorcycles under the Imole Electric Motorbikes Initiative, Adeleke described the partnership as a major milestone in the state’s transition to sustainable transportation and clean energy.
He said the initiative would help reduce transportation costs while promoting environmentally friendly mobility, adding that electric tricycles, cars and buses would soon become operational in the state.
“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 said.
