Atiku also urged all security agencies to discharge their duties effectively during the local government election
By Kehinde Okeowo
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar has thrown his weight behind the decision of the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to go ahead with the local government election in the state, despite warnings from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the police.
Prior to the commencement of the exercise on Saturday morning, opposition parties had raised security concerns.
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, also warned the governor against going ahead with the election, citing a recent court judgment that reinstated chairmen elected in 2022 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Similarly, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), in a statement on Friday night, called for the suspension of the exercise, stating that unrest was likely to unfold following disagreements between political parties.
Despite the concerns and legal advice, the governor insisted on carrying out the exercise.
TheNiche reported that Governor Adeleke cast his ballot at about 8 a.m. at Unit 9, Ward 2, in Ede North Local Government Area.
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The governor after voting tweeted: “A few minutes ago, I carried out my democratic duty by casting my vote at my polling unit in Ede.
“I commend the good people of Osun for maintaining a peaceful and orderly atmosphere at polling units across the state and encourage everyone to exercise their democratic right.
“Local government elections are the closest to the grassroots, and getting it right starts with electing the right leaders. Together, we will make Osun great.”
However, speaking on the ongoing exercise, Atiku, in a post on his official Facebook page, commended the governor and urged all security agencies to perform their duties.
He said: “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.
“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.”
