Our people are prepared for elections today. They yearn to have their choices as Chairmen and Councilors
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State ignored the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN,’s caution to cancel today’s local government election.
Fagbemi said the Appeal Court order showed no vacancy in state local government councils.
Yesterday, Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said: “Voters are prepared to exercise their voting rights on Saturday.
“Our people are prepared for elections today. They yearn to have their choices as chairmen and councillors.
“OSIEC has also done marvelous preparatory job according to reports at my disposal. Several political parties are participating, and I believe there will be a level playing ground for all to test their popularity with the masses.
However, In a decision handed down by Justice Adeyinka Aderigbigbe of the State High Court in response to a motion on notice filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the OSIEC, the commission was ordered to proceed with the election.
Aderigbigbe also charged security agencies with ensuring sufficient protection for the polls in all thirty council areas.
Labour Party want Suspension
In addition, the Labour Party’s election candidates’ forum had requested OSIEC to delay the poll in order to resolve the continuing legal crisis affecting the conduct of the election before their announcement of withdrawal from LG Poll.
Mr. Adebayo Bello, the party chairman, explained their decision to the newsmen by saying that they were worried about security and didn’t have any election materials.
Police Demand for Suspension
In a statement released on Friday evening, the Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) strongly requested the administration of Osun State to immediately delay the planned polls in order to protect the people and maintain national stability.
This recommendation was made in light of the impending threat to security.
After assessing the security situation, the Force judged that holding elections under volatile conditions could lead to widespread disturbance and harm lives and property.
The Nigeria Police Force and other security services were ready to act decisively to maintain order, he added.
Olumuyiwa said, “However, to avert unnecessary confrontation and safeguard the democratic process, it is in the best interest of all stakeholders that the elections be stood down.”