Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has praised Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for proceeding with the state’s local government election despite opposition.

According to reports, on Friday night, the Nigeria Police issued a statement advising the Osun State government against conducting the election.

However, the state government rejected the police’s stance and proceeded with the electoral process.

Additionally, Governor Adeleke’s Special Assistant on Digital Media, Olalekan Badmus, shared a memo on his 𝕏 handle, claiming it was issued by the police. According to Badmus, the memo instructed officers to prevent gatherings related to the election.

Titled ‘No Election Tomorrow’, it read, “You are to report to Police Area Command Office as early as 0500hrs 22/02/2025 tomorrow morning. There you will be attach to some Mopol to do stop and search and move around the town to make sure nobody gather for the election.

“Note: This message is for our own consumption and not to fly out to any platform or friends and family. Thanks.”

Reacting to the ongoing election, Atiku called for hitch-free exercise at the time of filing this report.

“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,” he said.