Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State remains firm on proceeding with the scheduled local government elections despite warnings from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN. The AGF had advised against holding the election, citing a Court of Appeal judgment that ruled there were no vacancies in the local government councils.
However, in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke insisted that the elections would go ahead as planned. He stated: “Voters are prepared to exercise their voting rights on Saturday. Our people are prepared for elections today. They yearn to have their choices as chairmen and councillors. OSIEC has also done marvelous preparatory job according to reports at my disposal. Several political parties are participating and I believe there will be a level playing ground for all to test their popularity with the masses.”
The Osun State Electoral Commission (OSIEC) was given the green light by a State High Court to conduct the polls. The ruling was delivered in response to a motion filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Justice Adeyinka Aderigbigbe ruled that the previous local government election held on October 15, 2022, was invalid, as confirmed by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. He stated that since those elected in the 2022 election had been removed by court rulings, vacancies existed in the local government administration.
The court also directed security agencies, including the police, army, Department of State Services (DSS), and local security outfits, to ensure safety before, during, and after the election.
In a new twist, the Nigerian Police Force has advised the Osun State Government to suspend the elections due to security concerns. According to a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, intelligence reports indicate a high risk of violence if the polls proceed. The statement noted that various groups, including political elements, were mobilizing to cause unrest and disrupt public peace.
The police assessment of the security situation suggests that going ahead with the election could lead to widespread violence, endangering lives and property. To prevent chaos, law enforcement agencies are on high alert and prepared to intervene if necessary. However, the police urged the state government to reconsider its stance and suspend the election to avoid any potential breakdown of law and order.
