The Nigeria Police Force has urged the Osun State government to postpone the local government elections slated for today, February 22, citing escalating security concerns and unresolved legal matters.
This advisory was detailed in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
According to the police, credible intelligence indicates a high probability of violence and significant security risks should the elections proceed as planned.
“Various groups, including political stakeholders and other vested interests, are mobilizing to incite unrest and disrupt public peace,” the statement revealed.
Given the combination of security threats and ongoing legal disputes, the police have advised the state government to suspend the elections to prevent potential chaos.
The statement further explained that after a thorough assessment of the security situation, the Force concluded that conducting the elections under the present circumstances could escalate tensions, leading to widespread disorder and endangering lives and property.
Nonetheless, the police reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and upholding democratic principles in accordance with the law.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in ensuring public safety, safeguarding lives and property, and upholding Nigeria’s democratic processes in line with legal provisions,” Adejobi added.
Chronicles Reporters had previously reported that the Osun State High Court had instructed the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to conduct elections to fill vacant local government positions.
Governor Ademola Adeleke had also maintained that the elections would proceed as scheduled despite the controversies surrounding them.
However, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, on Thursday, advised Governor Adeleke to halt the elections.
He referenced a February 10, 2025, ruling by the Court of Appeal in Akure, which overturned the decision of the Federal High Court in Osogbo delivered on November 25, 2022.
According to Fagbemi, the appellate court’s verdict effectively reinstated the All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen who had been previously removed by the lower court.
Meanwhile, violent clashes between APC and PDP supporters over control of local government councils have resulted in at least six fatalities between Monday and Friday.
Chronicles Reporters gathered that despite these developments, the likelihood of postponing the election remains uncertain.
For more updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VabITrvEAKW7DSkTfP0