Despite calls for suspension from the AGF and the Police, Osun local government elections are starting.

 

The local government elections in Osun state have commenced despite calls from the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Adegbite and the Nigeria Police Force, for the state government to suspend it.

 

As early as 8am, the exercise was initiated in certain local governments, including the Ede North Local Government Area where Governor Ademola Adeleke cast his vote.

 

After casting his vote, the governor declared the election to be peaceful and urged the people of the state to vote peacefully. As the exercise went smoothly, voters were seen casting their votes in some of the polling units.

 

The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi had called for the suspension of the election following the controversial Court of Appeal judgement which allegedly reinstated the earlier sacked local government chairmen and councillors, the police cited security threat.

 

According to the justice minister, the Court of Appeal Akure division nullified the judgment of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, delivered on November 25, 2022. The AGF said the verdict of the appellate court implied that the All Progressives Congress (APC) local council chairmen formerly sacked by the lower court have been restored.

 

On its part, the Police said it received credible intelligence indicating a likelihood of violence and significant security threats should the planned elections proceed.

 

In a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police explained that reports gathered from joint intelligence gathering revealed that various groups, including political elements and other interested parties, are mobilising to instigate unrest, disrupt public peace and undermine the democratic order.

 

However, the Osun State government insisted on continuing with the election, saying that it did not want to disobey a court order which directed that the elections be held.