- There has been controversy in Osun state over the planned LG election and the judgment of the court of appeal.
- The election buildup has been overshadowed by violent confrontations among members of the APC and PDP, leading to fatalities.
The Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has praised Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for proceeding with the local government election.
In a statement shared on his verified X account on Saturday, Atiku emphasized the need for a smooth and peaceful election, urging officials to handle responsibilities diligently.
He wrote, “As residents in Osun State go out to the polls today to elect council chairpersons, I once again urge for a peaceful and hitch-free exercise.”
“The local council election is the heartbeat of a democratic system, given that its outcome impacts closely on the lives of the citizens.”
“I commend Governor Ademola Adeleke for going ahead with the exercise and urge security agencies and polling officials to perform their duties with the highest sense of responsibility to the public.”
Recall that the federal government, through the minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Nigeria Police Force, requested that the election be suspended in the state.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, credible intelligence suggested a high risk of violence and serious security threats if the election proceeded.
However, the Osun State Government dismissed the Nigeria Police Force’s security concerns and rejected the request to halt the scheduled election.
In a statement issued late Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government cited adherence to the law as its reason.
The state government further alleged that the police prioritized political interests rather than respecting court rulings and upholding the legal system.
An Osun State High Court in Ilesa ruled on Friday that all 30 LGAs in the state had vacant positions, directing the electoral body to conduct elections.
Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe, delivering a ruling in suit number HIL/M/.192025, also instructed security forces to maintain order during and after the election.
Aderibigbe ruled that vacancies persisted in Osun LGAs after the election conducted on October 15, 2022, was nullified by the Federal High Court’s judgement.
He also noted that the Federal High Court’s decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal in its ruling delivered on January 13, 2025.
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