Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 elections, has praised Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for proceeding with the local government election in the state.
In a post on his official X handle on Saturday, Atiku called for a peaceful and smooth election, urging security agencies and electoral officials to carry out their responsibilities with the utmost professionalism and commitment to the public.
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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.”
The Federal Government, represented by the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Nigeria Police Force, had recommended suspending the local government election in Osun State, citing credible intelligence gathered.
In a statement from the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, the police revealed that the intelligence indicated a strong possibility of violence and significant security risks if the council election proceeded.
However, the Osun State Government dismissed the security recommendation from the police, stating its rejection was based on the rule of law and opposition to police partisanship.
Read Also: Osun Government Reacts To Police Advice Not To Conduct LG Election
In a statement issued late Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the state government criticized the police for prioritizing partisan interests over legal obligations and accused them of undermining the rule of law.
Meanwhile, an Osun State High Court in Ilesa ruled on Friday that vacancies existed in all 30 local government areas in the state and ordered the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to fill these positions.
Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe, ruling on a motion filed by the Peoples Democratic Party in case number HIL/M/.192025 against OSSIEC and its chairman, Hashim Abioye, also directed law enforcement agencies to ensure security during and after the election.
The judge declared that vacancies had resulted from the invalidation of the OSSIEC election held on October 15, 2022, by the Federal High Court in its ruling on November 30, 2022.
This decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal on January 13, 2025.
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