Osun residents speak out as Gov. Adeleke shuns FG’s decision on LG elections

Michael Adesina/Victor Adeoti

The people of Osun State have dropped their opinions as Governor Ademola Adeleke insisted that the local government election slated for Saturday would hold despite warning from the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, on Thursday told Adeleke not to proceed with the election.

Fagbemi urged Adeleke to respect the Court of Appeal, Akure, judgement which restored the All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen and councillors sacked in 2022 by the Federal High Court, Osogbo.

However, Adeleke ignored the advise and announced that election would go on.

Reacting to the political drama, the people of Osun urged authorities to ensure adequate security measures to prevent violence during the polls.

The people recalled that a violent clash erupted on Monday between members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The crisis stemmed from both parties laying claim to local government secretariats and resulted in six deaths, while several others sustained injuries during the confrontation.

Mrs Aishat Akeem, a resident, called on the Federal Government to deploy military personnel to all local governments and polling centres to ensure voters’ safety on election day.

“I will not vote because, given what happened a few days ago, I am not reassured that the election will be free, fair, or even safe,” she said.

She also urged the government to prevent voter intimidation, restrict civilian movement for better crowd control, and safeguard ballot boxes against possible tampering.

“Authorities should issue clear statements before election day, outlining security measures to reassure voters of their safety,” she added.

Similarly, Mr Tosin Osinubi, an accountant, emphasized the need for increased security presence, despite not possessing a voter card for the upcoming polls.

He recommended that the incoming administration establish peace-building bodies to address public grievances and prevent election-related violence across communities.

“Setting up peace committees, education programmes, and local conflict monitoring systems can help de-escalate tensions and maintain stability,” Tosin stated.

A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Mr Henry Ejiro, who is not an indigene of the state, also called for adequate security at polling units.

A shop owner, Mr David Aboderin, stated his determination to participate in the election despite the recent unrest in various areas.

“I will vote in my area, Asubiaro, regardless of the crisis. It is my right to exercise my franchise,” he said.

Another resident who identified herself as Aminat said she would not vote because she is not sure of her safety.

She said: “As you can see, I am pregnant. I won’t risk the life of my child and myself over any election.”

Another resident known as SP said he would not also step out to vote over security concerns.

He said: “I don’t see a peaceful election tomorrow. The Governor should accept the court judgement for the sake of peace. As for me, I will not vote.”

However, security agencies in the state have assured residents of tight security measures to maintain peace throughout the election process.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Osun Command, also pledged to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure a smooth and orderly electoral process.

The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) had already unveiled voting materials for the election across the state’s 30 local government areas.

The commission urged the electorate to disregard fake news suggesting that the election would not hold, assuring them of a credible and transparent process.