Osun LG Elections: Police Warn Against Conducting Polls, Cite Security Threats
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a strong advisory to the Osun State Government, urging it to suspend the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, citing credible intelligence of potential violence and security threats.
In a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police emphasized that intelligence reports indicate that various political elements and interest groups are actively mobilizing to instigate unrest, disrupt public peace, and undermine the democratic process.
“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 statement read. “In collaboration with other security agencies, we are 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.”
Legal and Political Controversy
The warning from the police aligns with the legal advice of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), who argues that the elections should not hold based on a recent Court of Appeal ruling. The ruling, according to the AGF and the All Progressives Congress (APC), reinstates council chairpersons sacked in 2022, making a fresh election unnecessary.
However, the Osun State Government, led by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has dismissed this interpretation. The state government maintains that the Appeal Court’s ruling does not definitively settle the matter and insists on proceeding with the elections despite the legal and security warnings.
The APC, citing the Appeal Court’s verdict, has already withdrawn from the election process, further complicating the political landscape.
The Role of State Electoral Commissions
Local government elections in Nigeria are constitutionally conducted by state electoral commissions, which are largely controlled by state governors. However, the conduct of these elections still relies on federal security agencies, particularly the police, to maintain law and order. The NPF’s warning, therefore, raises significant concerns about the feasibility and safety of holding the elections under the current circumstances.
Implications for Democracy and Governance
The unfolding situation in Osun State underscores broader issues surrounding local government administration in Nigeria, particularly the politicization of state electoral bodies and the persistent conflicts between state and federal authorities over democratic processes. The insistence of the Osun State Government on proceeding with the elections, despite legal and security red flags, raises questions about the state’s commitment to democratic stability and the rule of law.
Given the stakes, stakeholders—including political parties, civil society organizations, and security agencies—must act responsibly to prevent a descent into chaos. The police have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring peace and order and have urged all parties involved to exercise restraint in the interest of public safety.
Whether the Osun State Government heeds the police and AGF’s advice remains to be seen. However, with mounting tensions and a looming security crisis, the decision taken in the coming hours could have far-reaching consequences for the state’s democratic governance and overall stability.
Reference
Osun LG Elections: Police Warn Against Conducting Polls, Cite Security Threats