The Osun State government has rejected the Nigeria Police Force’s recommendation to suspend the local government election and has insisted that the election will proceed as planned today.
The police had called for the suspension of the election on Friday, citing security concerns.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police stated that they had received credible intelligence suggesting the potential for violence and significant security risks if the election were to continue.
However, in a response to the police’s advice, Osun State’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, stated that while the state government acknowledges the security concerns raised by the police, it would not defy a court order that mandated the election to take place.
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The statement reads, “The Osun State government has acknowledged the security advice from the Nigerian Police Force, but regrets to inform that the advice is rejected on the grounds of upholding the rule of law and opposing police partisanship.”
Alimi continued, “The state government, under Governor Ademola Adeleke, has reviewed the advice and concluded that the police’s proposal is biased, partisan, and contrary to democratic principles. The police’s attempt to act in the public interest while supporting the illegality of the APC only reinforces our rejection of their suggestion.”
The commissioner also criticized the police for what he described as their support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has sought to undermine the law by pushing for a non-existent court order.
He accused the police of becoming a partisan wing of the APC, thereby losing its impartiality as a law enforcement agency.
Furthermore, Alimi pointed out that a recent court ruling had confirmed vacancies in Osun’s local councils and authorized the police and other security agencies to ensure security for the election.
Instead of complying with the court’s ruling, Alimi claimed the police were acting against the law by opposing the election.
The state government, he emphasized, will not disregard the rule of law and will proceed with the election, supporting the Osun State Electoral Commission in conducting a free and fair process.
“We thank the police for their advice, but we respectfully decline the request. We urge Osun voters to peacefully exercise their right to vote on Saturday,” the statement concluded.
