Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has insisted that the local government elections will hold as scheduled on Saturday, despite a strong advisory from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, urging a postponement. Naija247news reports that the AGF had cited legal concerns and potential breaches of due process in the conduct of the polls, but Adeleke remains resolute in his decision.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, the AGF’s advisory, issued on Wednesday, warned that proceeding with the elections could lead to legal challenges and undermine the credibility of the process. However, Governor Adeleke, in a press briefing on Thursday, dismissed the concerns, stating that the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) had followed all necessary procedures to ensure a free and fair election.
Naija247news gathered that the governor’s stance has sparked a heated debate among stakeholders, with opposition parties accusing the administration of rushing the process to favor the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has threatened to boycott the polls, describing them as a “sham” and “pre-determined.”
Naija247news understands that OSIEC has assured the public of its readiness to conduct the elections, with adequate security measures in place to ensure a smooth process. The commission’s chairman, Segun Oladitan, told Naija247news that all logistics, including ballot papers and voting materials, had been distributed to the 332 wards across the state.
According to Naija247news, Governor Adeleke emphasized that the elections are crucial for grassroots development and democratic governance. “The people of Osun deserve to have their voices heard at the local government level. We cannot allow unnecessary delays to deny them this right,” he said during the briefing.
Naija247news reports that the AGF’s advisory has raised questions about the constitutional roles of federal and state governments in the conduct of local government elections. Legal experts have expressed divergent views, with some supporting the AGF’s intervention and others backing Adeleke’s insistence on state autonomy.
As the election date approaches, Naija247news gathered that tension is rising in Osun State, with residents divided over the governor’s decision. While some have expressed support for the polls, others have called for caution to avoid potential legal and security crises.
For now, Governor Adeleke’s defiance of the AGF’s advice has set the stage for a high-stakes political showdown in the state.
