The Osun Democratic Coalition has raised concerns over an alleged plot by the Nigerian Police Force to instigate violence ahead of the local government election in Osun State.
The group claims that a significant number of Mobile Police (MOPOL) officers have been stationed across the state, supposedly with the aim of causing chaos, particularly targeting members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
State coordinator of the coalition, Comrade Yeken Inaolaji, accused the police of taking sides, alleging that their actions were intended to create instability in the state.
“We have received credible information that MOPOL operatives are being deployed to intimidate and attack innocent citizens in a bid to portray the state as being in crisis,” he stated.
“If any form of bloodshed occurs on Saturday, the responsibility should fall on the police. Their objective is to escalate tension and create a justification for declaring a state of emergency. However, the people of Osun will not be misled by this scheme,” he added.
Inaolaji urged law enforcement agencies to remain impartial and allow the electoral process to take place without interference.
In reaction to the allegations, the Osun State government rejected a security advisory from the police, asserting that it was committed to upholding the rule of law.
The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, in a statement, dismissed the police recommendation to suspend the election, describing it as unfair and politically motivated.
“After thoroughly reviewing the police’s advice, the government has determined that it lacks neutrality and contradicts democratic principles,” Alimi stated.
He accused the police of working in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming they had attempted to enforce a reinstatement order that had no legal backing.
“The police have shown bias from the outset. Their support for the APC, despite the absence of any valid court ruling, is well known. It is clear how they assisted the APC in pushing for reinstatement without any judicial order,” he added.
Alimi further referenced a recent court ruling that upheld the removal of APC council officials and authorized the conduct of new local government elections. He criticized the police for allegedly ignoring the legal verdict while pursuing a political agenda.
“Rather than respecting the court’s ruling, the police have chosen to act in a manner that undermines the rule of law. However, the Osun State government remains firm in its commitment to ensuring that the election is conducted freely, fairly, and transparently,” he said.
The statement reaffirmed the government’s decision to proceed with the election as scheduled and urged residents to participate peacefully.