Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed his admiration for Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for proceeding with the local government elections in the state despite opposition from security agencies.
Reports indicate that on Friday night, the Nigeria Police Force issued a formal statement advising the Osun State government against conducting the elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025.
The police cited security concerns as the primary reason for their stance, warning that gatherings related to the election should not take place.
However, in response to the police advisory, the state government rejected the warning and decided to go ahead with the electoral process, ensuring that residents of Osun State had the opportunity to vote for their local council leaders.
Governor Adeleke’s Special Assistant on Digital Media, Olalekan Badmus, further brought attention to the situation by sharing a confidential memo on his official 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) handle.
According to Badmus, the memo allegedly originated from the police and contained instructions directing officers to prevent any form of public gathering for the election.
The memo, titled ‘No Election Tomorrow’, read:
“You are to report to Police Area Command Office as early as 0500hrs 22/02/2025 tomorrow morning. There you will be attach to some Mopol to do stop and search and move around the town to make sure nobody gather for the election.
“Note: This message is for our own consumption and not to fly out to any platform or friends and family. Thanks.”
Despite the police directive, Osun State residents turned out to vote, with reports of the electoral process proceeding in different local government areas.
Reacting to the unfolding events, Atiku Abubakar commended Governor Adeleke’s determination to uphold democratic principles by ensuring the elections were held as planned.
The former Vice President emphasized the significance of local government elections, describing them as the backbone of democracy, given their direct impact on the daily lives of citizens.
Atiku also called for a smooth and peaceful electoral exercise, urging both security agencies and election officials to carry out their duties with integrity and fairness.
In his statement, Atiku said:
“As residents in Osun State go out to the polls today to elect council chairpersons, I once again urge for a peaceful and hitch-free exercise.
“The local council election is the heartbeat of a democratic system, given that its outcome impacts closely on the lives of the citizens.
“I commend Governor Ademola Adeleke for going ahead with the exercise and urge security agencies and polling officials to perform their duties with the highest sense of responsibility to the public.”
At the time of filing this report, voting and collation of results were ongoing in various polling units across the state.