Tension in Osun as Controversial LG Election Holds Amid Security Threats
Palpable tension has gripped Osun State as Governor Ademola Adeleke pushes forward with the contentious local government elections despite security concerns and opposition resistance.
Stakeholders, including opposition parties and security agencies, have expressed fears of possible unrest, following violent clashes between supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) that left at least six people dead earlier in the week.
The crisis intensified after sacked local government chairmen and councillors attempted to reclaim their positions based on a Court of Appeal ruling that overturned their dismissal. The court’s February 10, 2025, decision reinstated them, nullifying the earlier ruling by the Osogbo Federal High Court from November 2022. However, tensions rose as PDP members opposed their return, while the reinstated officials insisted the election be postponed until their tenure ends in October 2025.
AGF Warns Against Election Amid Court Ruling
Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, intervened on Thursday, cautioning Governor Adeleke to uphold the Appeal Court’s judgment. He argued that proceeding with the election would violate the Nigerian Constitution, as the reinstated chairmen and councillors’ tenure remains valid until October 2025.
Fagbemi emphasized that any attempt to override the judiciary would be an “egregious breach of the Constitution” and declared that any election held under such circumstances would be invalid.
Court Orders Election to Proceed
Despite the AGF’s stance, an Osun State High Court in Ilesa on Friday directed the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to conduct the election as scheduled. Justice A. Aderigbigbe ruled that the 30 local government areas had vacant positions, as previously determined by a Federal High Court judgment.
The court also instructed security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to ensure safety during and after the polls.
Labour Party Withdraws Amid Allegations of Unpreparedness
Speaking to reporters on Friday night, Osun State Labour Party Chairman, Prince Adebayo Bello, accused OSSIEC of failing to issue identification tags to party agents. He expressed concerns that without proper identification, agents would be exposed to threats.
“We are ready to participate in a well-organized election with adequate security, but OSSIEC’s failure to provide necessary materials indicates a lack of preparation,” Bello stated, adding that his party had urged the commission to postpone the polls.
Security Concerns as Residents Stay Indoors
A police source, speaking anonymously, confirmed rising fears across the state. Following Monday’s deadly clashes, many residents have decided to stay indoors, fearing further violence.
“When political thugs clash, innocent citizens often suffer the most,” the source noted. “Even security operatives are not safe. There are reports that some thugs will disguise in Amotekun uniforms, which is a serious concern.”
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), through spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has urged the state government to suspend the election, citing credible intelligence of planned disruptions and threats to public safety.
“Various groups, including political factions and other interest groups, are mobilizing to incite unrest,” Adejobi warned. “For the sake of public peace and national stability, the election should be put on hold.”
Despite these warnings, Governor Adeleke remains adamant that the election will proceed as planned, heightening fears of potential violence across Osun State.
