The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has advised the Osun State government to suspend the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025, citing credible intelligence of potential violence and legal complexities.
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A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Friday highlighted reports of political groups mobilizing for unrest, public disorder, and attempts to disrupt the democratic process. Intelligence gathered by security agencies suggests that proceeding with the elections under these volatile conditions could escalate into widespread violence, putting lives and property at risk.
Already, at least six people have been confirmed dead since Monday following violent clashes between members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over control of local government councils.
The police emphasized their readiness to take decisive action to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Legal Controversy: Court Rulings and Attorney General’s Directive
Beyond security concerns, the legal standing of the elections remains uncertain. The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, had earlier urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to halt the elections due to recent judicial pronouncements.
• On February 10, 2025, the Court of Appeal in Akure overturned a November 25, 2022, ruling by the Federal High Court in Osogbo, which had previously sacked APC-backed local council chairmen.
• The AGF stated that the appellate court’s decision effectively reinstates the APC chairmen, raising questions about the legality of new elections at this stage.
Despite this, the Osun State High Court in Ilesa had earlier ordered the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to proceed with the elections, responding to a suit filed by the PDP, one of the contesting parties.
Implications for Osun State’s Stability and Governance
The unfolding crisis highlights deep political divisions and institutional conflicts within Osun State. If the elections proceed under these circumstances, they could trigger further violence, political instability, and governance paralysis at the local level.
The suspension of the elections could provide an opportunity for political negotiations and legal clarifications to prevent further bloodshed and uphold democratic integrity. However, it also raises concerns about delays in local governance and service delivery.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the Osun State government heeds the police and AGF’s advice or pushes forward with the elections amid growing tensions.
