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Few hours before the local government elections in Osun State, the Nigeria Police Force has urged the government to suspend the planned elections.
The police stated that joint intelligence assessments revealed that various groups, including political elements and other interested parties, were mobilising to instigate unrest, disrupt public peace, and undermine the democratic process.
There has been tension in Osun fuelled by ongoing disputes over local government administration, with the PDP and APC locked in a heated battle over the legitimacy of past and present officials.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, on Thursday called on the governor to shelve the planned LG elections.
Fagbemi stated that the Court of Appeal ruling in Akure has set aside an earlier Federal High Court judgment that nullified the previous local government elections conducted under ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
However, the governor, Ademola Adeleke, insisted that the election would hold as planned.
In a statement on Friday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the intelligence reports at the disposal of the police showed a high possibility of violence in the state should the election be held.
“The Nigeria Police Force has received credible intelligence indicating a high likelihood of violence and significant security threats should the planned local government elections proceed in Osun State.
“These reports gathered from joint intelligence gathering reveal that various groups, including political elements and other interested parties, are mobilising to instigate unrest, disrupt public peace, and undermine the democratic order.”
He warned that while security agencies are prepared to maintain law and order, suspending the elections would be in the best interest of public safety and national stability.
Adejobi said, “Given this imminent threat to security, the NPF strongly advises the Osun State Government to suspend the planned elections forthwith in the interest of public safety and national stability.
“The Force has assessed the current security landscape and determined that proceeding with the elections under these volatile conditions could escalate into widespread unrest, endangering lives and property.
“The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, is fully prepared to take decisive action to prevent any breakdown of law and order. However, to avert unnecessary confrontation and safeguard the democratic process, it is in the best interest of all stakeholders that the elections be stood down.”
Beyond the security concerns, Adejobi also pointed to a recent Court of Appeal judgment delivered on February 22, 2025, which, according to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, nullifies an earlier Federal High Court ruling on local government administration in Osun State.
He noted that the legal complexities surrounding the polls further reinforce the need for a suspension.
“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,” the statement added.
Adejobi also appealed to all stakeholders, including political parties, to exercise restraint and prioritize the safety and well-being of citizens during this period.
Solomon Odeniyi
The PUNCH journalist, Solomon, has five years experience covering crime, judiciary an
