Despite the warnings of the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police Force against the conducting of the local government election in Osun state, Governor Ademola Adeleke proceeded ahead with the electoral process. The Governor casted his vote at Unit 9, Sagba Abogunde Ward 2, Ede North Local Government Area at about 7:56a.m this morning slamming all the consequence.
NAN reported that, the governor arrived at the polling unit in company of his supporters and other members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for casting their franchise.
Adeleke applauded the State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) for the peaceful conduct of the process across in the state so far.
While urging the electorate to shun violence, the governor assured electorate and stakeholders that that there shall be no fear or intimidation directed against any group in the state.
He expressed optimism that all Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidates across the state will emerge victorious.
“I want to urge everyone to come out and cast their votes, the election will be peaceful”, the governor assured.
This is as the Federal Government had earlier asked Governor Adeleke to halt the exercise.
Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), had said the position of the law was clear on the development creating friction between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Recall a former council chairman in company of others, were killed while many sustained injuries in the clash that engulfed the state in an attempt to take control of Local Government secretariats.
The Osun state government had blamed the crisis on the APC and former governor Gboyega Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
Adeleke had vowed that nothing would stop Saturday’s election from holding, urging the people to turn out en masse.
However, the AGF, Fagbemi revealed that the order which the governor relied on to sack the local government chairmen elected under the administration of Oyetola had been nullified by the court.
The AGF added that there was no vacancy in Osun Local Governments until the tenure of the elected chairmen elapse in October.
Similarly, the police also kicked against the election, saying credible intelligence indicated a high likelihood of violence was going to break out and significant security threats.
According to the police, “The Force has assessed the current security landscape and determined that proceeding with the elections under these volatile conditions could escalate into widespread unrest, endangering lives and property. The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, is fully prepared to take decisive action to prevent any breakdown of law and order. However, to avert unnecessary confrontation and safeguard the democratic process, it is in the best interest of all stakeholders that the elections be stood down.”
“Beyond the security concerns, it is also imperative to consider the legal clarification by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice on the extant judicial pronouncements concerning Local Government administration in Osun State with regards to the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on the 10th of February 2025 which stands to have nullified the Federal High Court’s previous decision and reinforces the position that the elections, as presently contemplated, lack a firm legal foundation.
“In light of the combination of heightened security threats and the existing legal complexities, the Nigeria Police Force advises the Osun State Government to reconsider and suspend the planned elections immediately. The NPF reiterates its unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that Nigeria’s democratic processes are upheld in accordance with the law,” Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, had said in a statement
