EU to Monitor Osun Elections as Governor Adeleke Launches Sustainable Transportation Initiative
Austrian Ambassador Peter Guschelbauer confirms the European Union Election Observer Mission will monitor the August 15 Osun governorship election, while a British Embassy team plans a pre-election visit; Governor Adeleke also signs an MOU with Green Apple HK Nigeria for electric vehicles and unveils the first set of Imole Electric Motorbikes.
The European Union Election Observer Mission is to monitor the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria Mr Peter Guschelbauer has disclosed during a courtesy visit to Governor Ademola Adeleke at Government House, Osogbo.
Mr Guschelbauer said the EU hopes to see the Osun election conducted in compliance with Nigerian national electoral laws, noting that the Osun polls serve as a prelude to Nigeria's general elections in 2027. He commended the governor for instituting good governance and charged all political actors to play by the rules in the interest of subnational stability and national prosperity.
The Ambassador also highlighted the deep cultural connection between Austria and the Osun-Osogbo Grove, promising interest in cultural preservation, tourism exchanges and deeper business partnerships between Austrian and Osun companies.
Governor Adeleke urged the EU to take special interest in the forthcoming 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." He added that Osun offers immense opportunities in agriculture, renewable energy, education, technology, mining and vocational development.
In a related development, a British Embassy team is also billed to visit Osun this week for pre-election interactions with stakeholders ahead of the August 15 polls — both visits coming amid rising political tension over persistent attacks on Accord members by suspected APC thugs.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Government 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 unveiled the first set of electric motorbikes under the Imole Electric Motorbikes Initiative, describing the MOU as a major step forward in the state's sustainability transportation agenda. "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 stated.
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed — Spokesperson to the State Governor