The Federal Government has urged Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to halt the planned local government election scheduled for Saturday, citing legal concerns over the legitimacy of the process. The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) advised Adeleke to comply with a court ruling that reinstated previously sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen.
The warning follows a series of legal and political disputes surrounding local government administration in Osun State. The APC-led federal government insists that any election conducted without addressing the reinstatement order would be unlawful and could lead to further legal complications.
In response, Governor Adeleke, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has insisted on proceeding with the election, arguing that his administration has the constitutional authority to oversee local governance matters. He has also accused the federal government of political interference in state affairs.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has dismissed Adeleke’s allegations of intimidation, assuring that law enforcement agencies remain neutral and focused on maintaining peace. However, concerns are growing that the dispute could escalate into violence, with PDP governors warning that any federal attempt to block the election may lead to unrest.
Amid rising tensions, legal experts emphasize that compliance with judicial rulings remains essential to avoid a constitutional crisis. The outcome of this standoff could have broader implications for local governance and intergovernmental relations in Nigeria.