A major political and security standoff has erupted in Osun State ahead of today’s local government elections, as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) issued a strong advisory warning of potential violence and urging the state government to suspend the polls.
However, the Osun State Government has rejected the advisory, accusing the police of partisanship and insisting the elections will proceed as planned.
In a statement issued by the Force’s Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the NPF disclosed that intelligence reports indicate a high likelihood of violence, with political groups allegedly mobilising to disrupt public peace and undermine democratic order.
“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 statement read.
The police warned that proceeding with the elections under these volatile conditions could lead to widespread unrest, endangering lives and property. While security agencies are prepared to maintain order, the Force emphasised that preemptive measures, such as postponing the election, would be the best approach to avoid potential clashes.
Beyond security concerns, the NPF also highlighted legal complexities surrounding the elections. It referenced a February 10, 2025, Court of Appeal ruling that nullified an earlier Federal High Court decision on local government administration in the state. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has also provided legal clarification, reinforcing concerns that the elections may lack a firm legal foundation.
“In the 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.
In a swift response, the Osun State Government dismissed the police advisory, alleging that the Force was acting in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and working against the democratic process.
Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, stated that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration had reviewed the advisory and concluded that it was biased and politically motivated.
“The state government, under His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, has reviewed the advice and concluded that the proposal from the Force Headquarters was biased, partisan, and in contravention of democratic tenets,” Alimi said.
He further accused the police of previously aiding the APC in enforcing an illegitimate reinstatement order, framing the security advisory as another attempt to manipulate the process in favor of the opposition.
“A law enforcement agency has suddenly become a partisan wing of a political party, the APC, thereby losing all toga of a fair law agency. The negative role of the police to ignite the current face-off makes its advice a poisoned chocolate,” Alimi added.
The commissioner pointed to a recent court ruling affirming vacancies in Osun’s local councils, upholding the removal of former APC-backed officials, and directing security agencies to provide protection for the elections.
“Instead of the police obeying court orders, the service is regrettably pursuing its partisan line by actively working against the rule of law as espoused by today’s court ruling,” he said.
Despite the police’s warnings and legal concerns, the state government remains firm in its decision to proceed with the elections, pledging support to the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) in conducting a free and fair process.
“We thank the police for their advice. We respectfully turn down the request while we urge Osun voters to peacefully exercise their voting rights on Saturday,” Alimi concluded.
