By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has raised concerns over an alleged plot to destabilise the state ahead of the forthcoming local government elections scheduled for February 22.

According to the governor, credible intelligence suggests that opposition elements are planning coordinated attacks on local government secretariats across the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Osogbo, Adeleke revealed that the plot also includes orchestrated assaults on leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and senior government officials.

He warned that the ultimate goal of the alleged plan was to disrupt the electoral process and create a state of unrest to justify calls for a state of emergency in Osun. The governor vowed that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

Adeleke described Osun as one of the most peaceful states in the country and accused opposition politicians, particularly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), of resorting to desperate measures. He alleged that they had been spreading false court rulings and fabricating misleading information to manipulate public perception rather than preparing for the election.

He reiterated that a subsisting court judgment, obtained by the Action Peoples Party (APP), had nullified the controversial 2022 local government elections and remained legally binding.

The governor further clarified that a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in Akure only addressed procedural matters concerning the PDP’s filings and did not invalidate the judgment that ousted the illegally elected APC council chairmen and councillors.

In response to the security concerns, Adeleke directed security agencies to reinforce measures across the state and take decisive action against potential troublemakers.

He insisted that there was no legal basis for any attempt to take control of the local government system outside the scheduled elections.

“I have issued stern directives to security agencies to safeguard the state and arrest any troublemakers. There is no legal justification for any attempt to disrupt the local government system in Osun State. Elections for chairmen and councillors are set for February 22,” he stated.

“Anyone who dares to challenge our commitment to law and order in Osun will have themselves to blame. As the Chief Security Officer of the state, I am prepared to deploy all necessary resources to maintain peace and punish those seeking to cause unrest.”

The governor assured residents that the government remained fully in control of the situation and urged them to go about their daily activities without fear.

“We are committed to keeping the state and our streets safe from anti-democratic elements,” he added.

The political climate in Osun has been tense since the 2022 gubernatorial election, in which Adeleke of the PDP defeated the then-incumbent APC governor, Gboyega Oyetola.

The election outcome was challenged in court, leading to legal battles. In January 2023, the Election Petition Tribunal ruled in favour of Oyetola, overturning Adeleke’s victory. However, Adeleke appealed the decision and has remained in office pending the final judgment from higher courts.

With the February 22 local government elections fast approaching, both major parties are seeking to strengthen their political grip in the state.

As of the time of filing this report, security operatives, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Army, and the Amotekun Corps, have been placed on high alert.

A senior security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that intelligence on the security threat had been communicated to the leadership of various security agencies.

He disclosed that joint security patrols had commenced, with tactical squads deployed to closely monitor council areas to prevent any breakdown of law and order before, during, and after the elections.