The political landscape in Osun State, Nigeria, became increasingly volatile in the hours leading up to the local government elections. The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), citing credible intelligence reports, issued a strong advisory to the state government, urging the immediate suspension of the planned elections. These intelligence reports pointed to a high likelihood of violence and significant security threats should the elections proceed. Various groups, including political actors and other stakeholders, were reportedly mobilizing to instigate unrest, disrupt public peace, and undermine the democratic process. This volatile atmosphere created a significant concern for public safety and national stability, prompting the NPF’s intervention.
The heart of the tension stemmed from ongoing disputes over local government administration. The two dominant political parties, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), were locked in a bitter battle over the legitimacy of past and present local government officials. This power struggle fueled existing political rivalries and contributed to the heightened tension surrounding the upcoming elections. The police force, recognizing the potential for these disputes to escalate into widespread violence, felt compelled to recommend the suspension of the elections in the interest of preventing bloodshed and maintaining order.
Adding to the complexity of the situation was a recent Court of Appeal ruling delivered on February 22, 2025. This ruling, according to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, overturned a previous Federal High Court judgment related to local government administration in Osun State. The conflicting legal opinions further muddied the waters and contributed to the uncertainty surrounding the legitimacy of the planned elections. The police, citing these legal complexities in conjunction with the security concerns, reiterated their call for the suspension of the polls. They emphasized the importance of addressing these legal ambiguities before proceeding with any elections to ensure a lawful and credible democratic process.
Despite the police advisory and the concerns raised by the Attorney General, the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, remained steadfast in his decision to hold the elections as scheduled. This created a direct conflict between the state government and the federal authorities, further exacerbating the tension in the region. The governor’s insistence on proceeding with the elections despite the clear security risks and legal uncertainties highlighted the deep political divisions within the state and the high stakes involved in the local government elections.
The police, while prepared to maintain law and order, stressed that suspending the elections was the most prudent course of action to avert potential violence and safeguard lives and property. They warned that proceeding under such volatile conditions could lead to widespread unrest and endanger the democratic process. The NPF’s primary concern was the safety and well-being of the citizens of Osun State, and they believed that holding the elections as planned would jeopardize this safety. Therefore, they called on all stakeholders, including political parties, to prioritize public safety and exercise restraint.
The situation in Osun State presented a complex interplay of political rivalries, security concerns, and legal ambiguities. The NPF’s urgent call for the suspension of the local government elections underscored the seriousness of the situation. While the governor remained committed to holding the elections, the potential for violence and the unresolved legal issues surrounding the polls created a precarious environment. The focus shifted to finding a resolution that would address both the security concerns and the legal complexities while upholding the democratic process and ensuring the safety of all citizens. The situation called for dialogue and compromise from all involved parties to de-escalate tensions and chart a path towards peaceful and credible local government elections.
