Despite warnings from the federal government and the Nigeria Police Force, the Osun State local government elections are currently underway.
Governor Ademola Adeleke cast his vote at Unit 9, Sagba Abogunde Ward 2, Ede North Local Government Area, at approximately 7:56 a.m.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke arrived at his polling unit at Unit 9, Sagba Abogunde Ward 2, Ede North Local Government Area at approximately 7:56 a.m., accompanied by his supporters and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The governor, after casting his vote, commended the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) for ensuring a peaceful electoral process and urged residents to cast their votes without fear of intimidation.
“I want to urge everyone to come out and cast their votes. The election will be peaceful,” the governor assured, expressing confidence that all PDP candidates would emerge victorious.
However, the election has been marred by controversy, with the Federal Government urging Governor Adeleke to halt the exercise.
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Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi argued that the law does not support the election, citing a legal dispute between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP over control of local government administrations in the state.
The crisis stems from the sacking of local government chairmen elected under the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, now the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
A recent Court of Appeal judgment reportedly nullified the order relied upon by Governor Adeleke to remove the chairmen.
The AGF emphasized that there was no vacancy in the local governments until the tenure of the elected chairmen ends in October.
The Nigeria Police Force also expressed strong opposition to the election, citing credible intelligence suggesting a high likelihood of violence and security threats.
READ ALSO: Osun Crisis: Gov Adeleke Orders Lockdown Of LG Secretariats To Avert Further Bloodshed
“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,” Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi said in a statement.
Adejobi added that the combination of legal complexities and heightened security risks made it necessary for the Osun State Government to reconsider and suspend the elections.
Despite these warnings, Governor Adeleke insisted that nothing would prevent the polls from taking place, urging residents to turn out en masse.
The election comes amid heightened political tensions, with past clashes resulting in casualties, including the killing of a former council chairman and injuries sustained by several others. The Osun State Government blamed the violence on the APC and former Governor Oyetola.
As the election unfolds, security agencies remain on high alert to prevent any breakdown of law and order. The outcome of the election and the possible legal consequences remain uncertain.