Despite warnings from the federal government and police, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Monday swore in newly elected local government chairmen, who in turn inaugurated their councillors across the state.
However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has directed its reinstated chairmen and councillors to resume office immediately, dismissing reports that the party had instructed them to stay away. The APC’s national leadership condemned Adeleke’s move, calling it provocative and a threat to peace.
APC, PDP Clash Over Osun LG Elections
While the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hailed the local government elections as proof that power resides with the people, the APC dismissed the process as illegal. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, warned the APC against turning Osun into a battleground, urging all parties to respect the rule of law.
Meanwhile, public policy expert, Mallam Sulayman Nafiu, criticized the election, calling it a “shameless mockery of democracy” and an affront to the rule of law.
Adeleke Defends Election, Calls for Patience
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the rule of law.
“We are on the side of the law and the constitution,” he stated. “The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission followed due process, and the people exercised their voting rights.”
He charged the newly elected officials to focus on governance and development, promising that his administration would continue prioritizing the welfare of Osun residents.
Adeleke also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for resisting attempts to destabilize the state.
Governor Orders Elected Officials to Avoid Clashes
To prevent conflict, Adeleke directed the new officials to stay away from local government secretariats occupied by APC-backed officials, pending legal resolution.
“An Osun State High Court affirmed the vacancies in these positions before your election. We will rely on the judiciary to ensure the peaceful removal of those illegally occupying the secretariats,” he assured.
APC Directs Its Officials to Resume, Calls for Security Reinforcement
In response, the APC instructed its court-reinstated officials to resume duty immediately. The party’s Director of Media, Kola Olabisi, accused “reactionary elements” of spreading fake news to mislead APC officials.
“Our chairmen and councillors must resume at their offices as mandated by the Court of Appeal ruling on February 10, 2025,” he stated.
The APC urged the Commissioner of Police, DSS, and Civil Defence to ensure security at local government offices.
APC: Adeleke’s Actions Are Illegal, Threat to Peace
In a strongly worded statement, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, denounced the local government elections as a “disgraceful sham” and a violation of the Court of Appeal judgment reinstating APC officials.
Morka accused Adeleke of defying the rule of law, asking why he refused to honor a valid court ruling while claiming to uphold democracy.
“The governor must follow the law. His reckless disregard for court judgments is fueling political tension and insecurity in Osun,” he warned.
Morka urged Adeleke to challenge the ruling at the Supreme Court instead of resorting to what he called an unconstitutional power grab.
PDP Celebrates Victory, Calls for Unity
The PDP Governors’ Forum lauded the election outcome, stating that the results confirmed the people’s trust in the party.
“Power in a democracy belongs to the people. This victory is proof of the PDP’s commitment to fairness and good governance,” said Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, Director General of the forum.
He urged the newly elected officials to promote peace and serve the people diligently.
Makinde Warns Against Political Crisis
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who attended the swearing-in alongside Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, cautioned the APC against resorting to violence.
“History must not repeat itself. Osun must not be turned into another ‘Wild Wild West’ of the Second Republic,” he warned.
Makinde stressed that any grievances should be addressed through legal channels, not self-help.
Expert Condemns Polls as Democratic Failure
Meanwhile, election observer groups and policy analyst Mallam Sulayman Nafiu criticized the process, citing irregularities and voter suppression.
“The people of Osun deserve better. This election was an insult to democracy,” Nafiu declared.
As the legal and political battle over the local government elections intensifies, all eyes remain on Osun State to see how the crisis unfolds.
