Adeleke, Others Vote in Osun LG Poll Despite Warnings!
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke had cast his vote in the ongoing local government elections in the state.
Adeleke voted at about 7:56 a.m. in Unit 9, Sagba Abogunde Ward 2, Ede North Local Government Area.
Backed by his supporters and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he advised the people to exercise their franchise without fear of intimidation and urged political actors and the electorate to shun violence during and after the elections.
Adeleke expressed optimism for the victory of all PDP candidates in the elections.
“I want to encourage everybody to come out and cast their vote. The day will be peaceful,” the governor assured.
Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the former governor of Osun State, also cast his vote in the ongoing local government elections at his polling unit in Oba Ojomu Ward 1, Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area.
On the same day, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, voted in his polling unit.
Likewise, the lawmaker representing Ede North/Ede South-Egbedore/Ejigbo federal constituency at the House of Representative cast his vote.
In a post on his Facebook page, he stated; “Following the dictates of the rule of law and fulfilment of civic obligations, I chose to join my fellow citizens of Osun State to participate in the ongoing local government elections.
“I pray that God’s peace reigns in all parts of Osun state today and forever.”
The Federal Government had urged Governor Adeleke to halt the conduct.
In a statement, Federal Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi asserted that the law concerning the incitement to violence by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and PDP was very clear on this matter.
Governor Adeleke stated that nothing could prevent Saturday’s election from being held and urged the citizens to come out en masse.
But Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi contradicted the assertions of Agt. Govenor Adeleke. Following this, he stated that the order upon which Governor Adeleke acted in dismissing the local chairmen under the ousted administration of Oyetola had been vacated by a court.
The AGF went on to say that until the tenure of the elected chairmen runs out in October, the Osun Local Governments were not vacant.
The police had also similarly decried the polls, saying credible intelligence indicated a high probability of a violent outbreak pervasive terrorism.
“The Force has taken an assessment of the security situation prevailing at this time and believes that the conduction of the elections in highly charged atmosphere might provoke large-scale riot that would be injurious to life and property. The Nigeria Police Force, along with other security agencies, is very much prepared to take stern action to forestall any breach of peace in that situation. Nevertheless, for the interest of no undesired confrontation and protection of the democratic process, it would be most worthy for stakeholders that these elections are withdrawn.”
“Beyond security concerns, it is pertinent in view of this statement to consider the legal clarifications made by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, with regard to the standing judicial pronouncements on local government affairs in Osun State, in light of the judgment of the Court of Appeal on the 10th day of February 2025, which effectively annulled the previous judgment rendered by the Federal High Court, thereby reinforcing the position that elections, as contemplated now, are very much lacking any legal foundation.
“In the light of both increased security threats and already existing legal complications, the Nigeria Police Force duly calls on the Osun State Government to immediately rethink and suspend the elections.”
The Nigeria Police Force continues to make the promise of profounding peace and safeguarding lives and properties, while holding Nigeria’s democratic processes according to the law,” Olumuyiwa Adejobi had stated through the Force Public Relations Officer.
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