Osogbo, Nigeria – The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has issued a 14-point advisory to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, urging the suspension of the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025.
Fagbemi contends that proceeding with the elections would contravene a recent Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated previously sacked local government officials, whose tenures are valid until October 2025.
In his detailed statement, the AGF emphasized that any election conducted under the current circumstances would be deemed unconstitutional and invalid. He highlighted that the Court of Appeal’s decision effectively nullifies any prior actions taken to remove the reinstated officials, thereby rendering any new elections premature and legally untenable.
Despite the AGF’s counsel, Governor Adeleke has declared his intention to proceed with the elections as planned. Addressing a delegation of civil society organizations monitoring the electoral process, Adeleke asserted that the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) is fully prepared to conduct the polls.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to democratic principles and the rule of law, stating that no individual or entity should usurp judicial authority.
The governor further called on all stakeholders to maintain peace and uphold democratic norms during this period. He reassured citizens that the forthcoming elections are pivotal for grassroots development and urged the public to participate actively and responsibly.
As the election date approaches, tensions have escalated, with reports of legal disputes and isolated incidents of violence between supporters of opposing parties. The situation remains fluid, and the potential for further legal challenges or federal intervention looms, casting uncertainty over the legitimacy and outcome of the impending local government elections in Osun State.
