Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has applauded Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for proceeding with the local government elections despite calls for its suspension.
In a post on his official X handle on Saturday, Atiku emphasized the significance of local council elections in democracy and urged a peaceful, hitch-free process. He also called on security agencies and electoral officials to carry out their duties responsibly.
“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,” Atiku wrote.
“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.”
Federal Government Sought Suspension Over Security Concerns
The Federal Government, through the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Nigeria Police, had earlier called for the suspension of the election, citing security threats.
A statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that intelligence reports indicated a high risk of violence if the election proceeded.
However, the Osun State Government rejected the security concerns, arguing that the police were acting with political bias.
State Government Insists on Rule of Law
In a statement late Friday, the Osun Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, justified the government’s decision to proceed with the election, stressing adherence to the rule of law and opposition to what he described as police partisanship.
The state government accused the police of prioritizing political interests over legal obligations, stating that the election was necessary to fill vacant positions in all 30 local government areas.
This stance was reinforced by an Osun State High Court ruling on Friday, which affirmed the existence of vacancies and directed the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to proceed with filling them.
Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe, while ruling on a motion filed by the PDP against OSSIEC and its chairman, Hashim Abioye, also ordered law enforcement agencies to provide security before, during, and after the election.
The court noted that the previous local government election held on October 15, 2022, was invalidated by a Federal High Court ruling on November 30, 2022, a decision later upheld by the Court of Appeal on January 13, 2025.
Despite federal warnings, Osun State proceeded with the election, marking a contentious moment in the state’s political landscape.
