Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has praised Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke for holding the local government election despite opposition from security agencies and legal authorities.

Before the election took place on Saturday, opposition parties raised concerns about possible violence. The Nigeria Police Force, in a statement on Friday, advised the state government to suspend the election due to fears of unrest.

Similarly, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi warned the governor, citing a court ruling that reinstated APC-elected local government chairmen from 2022.

However, Governor Adeleke remained firm and proceeded with the election. He cast his vote at Unit 9, Ward 2, in Ede North Local Government Area at around 8 a.m.

Atiku Abubakar, in a Facebook post, commended the governor’s decision and called for a peaceful election. He emphasized the importance of local government elections in a democratic system and urged security agencies to carry out their duties responsibly.

He wrote:

“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.”

Despite warnings, the election continued as planned, with many residents participating in the process.