Osun State Political Crisis: PDP Governors Rally Behind Adeleke Amidst Legal Battle Over LG Elections

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have declared their unwavering support for Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, as he works to restore peace and protect lives and property in the Osun state. Acting under the aegis of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF), the governors expressed deep concern over the recent political violence that resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property.

Chairman of the PDPGF and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, condemned the violent political confrontations, stating that Governor Adeleke had earlier raised the alarm about the potential breakdown of law and order. He lamented that despite Adeleke’s warnings, certain political actors resorted to self-help rather than adhering to democratic principles.

“The PDPGF condemns in its entirety the resort to self-help by political players whose conduct ought to have been guided by the provisions of extant laws in a democratic society. We commend Governor Adeleke for his timely warnings and for taking proactive steps to avert further crises,” Mohammed stated. He further called on President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to take immediate action to restore law and order before the situation escalates further.

Governor Adeleke Urges Peaceful Participation in LG Elections

In the wake of the unrest, Governor Adeleke has urged Osun State residents to remain peaceful and exercise their voting rights in the forthcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025. He reassured the people that peace has returned to the Osun state following the failed attempt by “court-sacked APC chairmen and councilors” to forcefully take over council secretariats.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke expressed gratitude to residents of Osun state for heeding his directive to stay away from local government secretariats, preventing further confrontation.

“I urge all registered voters to participate in the local government elections peacefully. I particularly appreciate our people for complying with my directive, which prevented further casualties and ensured the state remains peaceful. Osun is a state of love and unity, and we must uphold these values,” the governor stated.

Osun State Government Insists LG Elections Will Hold Despite APC Takeover Attempt

The Osun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting the local government elections as planned, despite the attempted takeover of council secretariats by APC members. Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, assured residents that the electoral process would not be disrupted by political opposition.

According to Alimi, the APC’s actions were a deliberate attempt to halt the elections, but the government remains resolute in ensuring that the democratic process is completed.

“All of this is aimed at truncating the electoral process, but as a government, we will provide an enabling environment for the elections to proceed. We urge everyone to come out and exercise their civic rights without fear,” Alimi stated.

However, APC chieftain Olatunbosun Oyintiloye has called on President Tinubu to intervene and persuade Governor Adeleke to halt the elections to avoid further crisis. He argued that with the Court of Appeal’s ruling reinstating APC chairmen and councilors, there was no need for new elections.

AGF Warns Adeleke Against Conducting Fresh LG Elections

Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has issued a strong warning to Governor Adeleke, advising him to suspend plans for the local government elections. According to the AGF, proceeding with the elections would constitute a violation of the 1999 Constitution, given the Court of Appeal’s ruling that reinstated the previously removed local government officials.

Fagbemi explained that the appellate court had nullified an earlier judgment by the Federal High Court, which removed the APC-elected local government officials. By restoring their mandate, the officials are legally entitled to serve their full tenure until October 2025.

“It has become necessary to clarify the legal implications of the Court of Appeal’s judgment. The term of the reinstated officials remains valid and runs until October 2025. Any attempt to conduct fresh elections before then will be unlawful and will only exacerbate tensions in the state,” the AGF warned.

He urged Governor Adeleke to abide by the rule of law and avoid actions that could provoke further political unrest in Osun State.

Legal and Political Uncertainty Looms Over Osun’s LG Elections

As the February 22 local government elections draw closer, Osun State remains at the center of a heated legal and political battle. While Governor Adeleke insists on proceeding with the polls to ensure democratic governance at the grassroots level, opposition forces, backed by the Court of Appeal ruling and the AGF’s warning, argue that the elections are unconstitutional.

Political analysts fear that the ongoing standoff could lead to further unrest if not properly managed. With PDP governors backing Adeleke and APC stakeholders pushing for the elections to be halted, the coming days will be crucial in determining the fate of local governance in Osun State.

Residents, security agencies, and political leaders now look to President Tinubu and other key stakeholders to step in and prevent the crisis from spiraling out of control.