The Nigeria Police Force has recommended that the Osun State government postpone the local government elections set for Saturday, February 22.
“In light of the combination of heightened security threats and the existing legal complexities, the Nigeria Police Force advises the Osun State Government to reconsider and suspend the planned elections immediately.” a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi read on Friday.
The Police stated that it received reliable intelligence suggesting a high risk of violence and serious security threats if the planned elections go ahead.
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Adejobi explained that joint intelligence reports revealed that various groups, including political factions and other stakeholders, are organizing to provoke unrest, disrupt public order, and undermine the democratic process.
The statement further noted that the Force has evaluated the current security situation and concluded that holding the elections in these unstable conditions could lead to widespread chaos, putting lives and property at risk.
However, the Force reiterated its readiness to take firm action to maintain law and order.
“Beyond the security concerns, it is also imperative to consider the legal clarification by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice on the extant judicial pronouncements concerning Local Government administration in Osun State with regards to the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on the 22nd of February 2025 which stands to have nullified the Federal High Court’s previous decision and reinforces the position that the elections, as presently contemplated, lack a firm legal foundation.
“The NPF reiterates its unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that Nigeria’s democratic processes are upheld in accordance with the law,” the statement read in part.
The police statement follows an order from the Osun State High Court in Ilesa, directing the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to conduct elections for the vacant chairman and councillor positions in the 30 local government areas of the state.
The court issued the order after a suit was filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), one of the parties involved in the election.
Earlier on Thursday, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, had urged Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to suspend the local government election.
Fagbemi explained that the Court of Appeal, Akure division, had on February 10, 2025, overturned the Federal High Court ruling in Osogbo from November 25, 2022.
The AGF stated that the appellate court’s decision meant the All Progressives Congress (APC) local council chairmen, who had been removed by the lower court, had been reinstated.
At least six deaths have been reported since Monday due to clashes between APC and PDP members in Osun State over control of local government councils.
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