The Osun State Government has dismissed the security advisory issued by the Nigeria Police, which called for the suspension of the Local Government elections scheduled for Saturday (today).
In a statement released on Friday and signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the state government asserted that its decision to disregard the police directive was based on adherence to the rule of law and a rejection of what it perceives as partisan interference from the security agency.
While acknowledging receipt of the police advisory, the government stated that upon thorough review, it found the recommendation to be prejudiced, politically motivated, and contrary to democratic principles.
“The pretense of the service to be serving the public good while actually promoting the illegality of the APC reinforces our rejection of a Greek gift,” the statement read.
The government further criticized the police for allegedly taking sides in the political dispute, accusing the force of actively supporting the All Progressives Congress and backing an “illegality” under the guise of enforcing a non-existent court order.
“From the beginning of this face-off, the police has breached best practices by its open support for the All Progressives Congress, a party that is pushing for illegality through a non-existing court order. The whole world knows how the police actively aided the APC to enforce a reinstatement order that was never issued by any court of law,” the government stated.
Condemning the police’s role in the ongoing political tension, the government maintained that the security agency had abandoned its neutrality and transformed into a political tool.
“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 made its advice a poison chocolate,” the statement continued.
The Osun State Government also referenced a recent court ruling that affirmed the removal of APC council officials, directed security agencies to ensure a peaceful election, and authorized the conduct of fresh local government elections.
“Beyond the above, we also call the attention of the police to the court judgment of today. It contains three orders which affirm vacancies in Osun councils by authenticating the sacking of the APC council chieftains, directed the police and other security agencies to provide security for the election, and gave go-ahead to fresh LG elections by Saturday 22nd,” the government stated.
The administration accused the police of prioritizing political interests over lawful directives and vowed to uphold the court’s decision.
“Instead of the police to obey court order, the service is regrettably pursuing its partisan line by actively working against rule of law as espoused by today’s court ruling.
“If the police choose to disobey court orders, the Osun State government will not go against rule of law, hence the decision of the state government to support the state electoral commission to conduct a credible, free, and fair election tomorrow.
“We thank the police for their advice. We respectfully turned down the request while we urged Osun voters to peacefully exercise their voting rights on Saturday,” the statement concluded.
Earlier on Friday, the Nigeria Police had issued a statement citing credible intelligence warning of potential violence if the local government elections proceeded.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, security reports indicated a significant risk of unrest, with various groups, including political factions, allegedly mobilizing to disrupt public peace.
“These reports gathered from joint intelligence gathering reveal that various groups, including political elements and other interest parties, are mobilizing to instigate unrest, disrupt public peace, and undermine the democratic order,” the police statement read.
The force also urged the Osun State Government to consider the legal consequences of proceeding with the election.
Meanwhile, the Osun Democratic Coalition, a pro-democracy advocacy group, has accused the Nigeria Police of plotting to destabilize the state through violence.
In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Yeken Inaolaji, the group alleged that mobile police officers had been strategically deployed across Osun to orchestrate attacks, particularly targeting members of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“We have credible reports that the police, through MOPO officers, are sent to destabilize Osun state. They will attack innocent people, all to give the impression of a state in crisis,” the statement alleged.
Warning of possible bloodshed, the coalition held the police responsible for any outbreak of violence during the election.
“If you see bloodshed this Saturday, we call on the public to hold the police responsible. Hold the police accountable for any killing and maiming this Saturday.
“Their ultimate target is to escalate the crisis to support their agenda to declare a state of emergency. Osun people have seen through the evil plot. We reject anti-democratic elements.
“The police authorities should leave Osun alone. We are peaceful people. Our state is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. We support our dear state governor, a man of good governance,” the statement concluded.
As the election unfolds, tensions remain high between the state government, security agencies, and political factions, with all eyes on how events will play out in Osun.
