In a strongly-worded statement issued in Osogbo today, prominent legal practitioner Pelumi Olajengbesi has cautioned against any attempts to halt the upcoming Osun State Local Government elections scheduled for February 22, 2025.
The warning comes amid recent concerns over security reports suggesting possible postponement of the elections. Olajengbesi emphasized that such elections are constitutionally mandated and cannot be stopped by any authority, including the state governor or federal government.
Speaking on the legal framework, the lawyer cited various constitutional provisions that make local government elections mandatory, particularly highlighting Sections 7(1) and 197(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution. These sections, he explained, establish the democratic structure for local governance and vest exclusive powers in State Independent Electoral Commissions.
Of particular concern to the legal expert was the recent public statement by the Nigeria Police Force regarding security threats. Olajengbesi criticized this approach, stating that security agencies should focus on maintaining order rather than suggesting election postponement.
“The role of security agencies is to protect the democratic process, not to determine whether elections should hold,” he stated. He further questioned the propriety of releasing security reports on social media platforms instead of implementing necessary security measures.
The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has already completed preparations for the elections, with no court orders currently standing against the process. Olajengbesi maintained that any attempt to stop these elections would constitute a direct violation of constitutional provisions.
The legal practitioner called on Osun State residents to prepare for the elections and exercise their voting rights without fear. He emphasized that the success of these elections would set an important precedent for local government democracy in Nigeria.
As the election date draws closer, all eyes remain on how security agencies will handle their constitutional responsibility of maintaining peace while ensuring the democratic process proceeds unhindered.
Stay tuned to Newspot Nigeria for updates on today’s local government elections in Osun State.
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