Osun LG Election Crisis: AGF Declares Poll Illegal, Warns Adeleke as Political Tensions Escalate Amid Court Ruling and Deadly Clashes
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has called on Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to direct the state’s electoral commission to cancel Saturday’s local government elections, warning that the poll would be unconstitutional.
In a statement issued Thursday in Abuja, Fagbemi cited a recent Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated sacked local government officials, asserting that their tenure remains valid until October 2025. Conducting fresh elections, he said, would violate the Constitution and risk further escalating political tensions in the state.
Osun State has been gripped by a political crisis between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) over control of 18 local government areas. The dispute turned violent on Monday, resulting in the deaths of six individuals, including an APC chieftain.
Fagbemi urged Governor Adeleke to uphold the law and prevent further unrest, stating, “Any such election will not only be invalid but will also amount to an egregious breach of the Constitution.”
However, a civil society group, Osun Democrats for Democracy (ODD), rejected the AGF’s stance, arguing that he lacks the legal authority to halt the election or interpret court rulings. The group accused Fagbemi of bias, citing his past legal representation of former Osun Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, dismissed allegations of bias in handling the crisis, affirming that additional security forces had been deployed to maintain order.
The PDP Governors’ Forum also weighed in, condemning the violence and urging all parties to respect the rule of law.
Despite APC’s withdrawal from the election and calls for its cancellation, the Osun State Government insists the poll will proceed as planned. Governor Adeleke has urged calm, assuring residents that security measures are in place for a peaceful electoral process.
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 and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has called on Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to direct the state’s electoral commission to cancel Saturday’s local government elections, warning that the poll would be unconstitutional.){kind=link}