Atiku Applauds Adeleke for Defying Pressure, Holding Osun LG Polls

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has praised Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for pressing forward with the local government election despite mounting opposition.

According to reports that ahead of the Saturday polls, opposition parties voiced security concerns. The Nigeria Police Force, in a statement on Friday night, called for the suspension of the exercise, warning that political tensions could escalate into unrest. Likewise, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, cautioned Adeleke against proceeding, referencing a recent court ruling that reinstated local government chairmen elected in 2022 under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Undeterred by the warnings, Governor Adeleke went ahead with the election. He cast his vote at about 8 a.m. at Unit 9, Ward 2, in Ede North Local Government Area.

Reacting to the development, Atiku, in a post on his official Facebook page, commended Adeleke’s decision and urged security agencies to remain professional.

“As residents in Osun State go out to the polls today to elect council chairpersons, I once again urge for a peaceful and hitch-free exercise,” he wrote.

“The local council election is the heartbeat of a democratic system, given that its outcome impacts closely on the lives of the citizens.

“I commend Governor Ademola Adeleke for going ahead with the exercise and urge security agencies and polling officials to perform their duties with the highest sense of responsibility to the public.”