The Osun State Government has dismissed a security advisory from the Nigeria Police Force, which had recommended postponing the local government elections scheduled for Saturday.
The police had urged the state to suspend the elections, citing credible intelligence suggesting a high risk of violence. Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Friday, warned that proceeding with the election could lead to significant security threats.
However, the Osun State Government, through a statement signed by Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Kolapo Alimi, rejected the advice, describing it as biased and inconsistent with democratic principles.
“The so-called security advisory is nothing more than a partisan attempt to undermine the rule of law,” Alimi said. “The police have openly aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party seeking to impose illegality through a non-existent court order.”
He further accused the police of taking sides in political matters rather than maintaining neutrality.
“A law enforcement agency should not act as an extension of a political party,” he added. “The police have become a tool in the hands of the APC, and their advice is nothing but a ‘poisoned chocolate’.”
Alimi referenced a court ruling delivered on Friday, which he said validated the removal of APC-backed council officials and authorized the fresh elections to proceed.
“The court ruling confirmed that the council seats were vacant, ordered security agencies to ensure safety during the election, and gave the green light for the polls to be conducted as scheduled,” he stated.
The government further insisted that it would abide by the court ruling, regardless of the police’s position.
“If the police choose to disregard a court order, the Osun State Government will not follow suit,” Alimi asserted. “We remain committed to upholding the rule of law and supporting the electoral commission in conducting a free and fair election.”
Despite security concerns, the government encouraged residents to participate peacefully in the voting process.
“We appreciate the police’s advice but respectfully decline it,” Alimi said. “We urge all eligible voters to exercise their democratic rights in a peaceful manner.”
