Learn from Rivers State: IGP, AGF, and Security Agencies—Respect the Law and Uphold Democracy in Osun’s Election -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

Nigeria’s democracy is built on laws, fairness, and respect for institutions. As the Osun State local government election approaches on February 22, 2025, it is important that all stakeholders, including federal authorities and security agencies, uphold the integrity of the democratic process. The priority should be ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election rather than halting or interfering with it under the pretext of security concerns. Elections are a fundamental part of democracy, and their smooth execution strengthens public trust in governance.

Adeleke’s Position Aligns with the Law—Federal Authorities Must Not Overreach

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has clearly stated that the local government elections will proceed as scheduled. His decision is backed by legal precedents and the judgment of the Osun State High Court, which has ruled that the police and other security agencies must provide protection for the election. This ruling leaves no room for excuses about security concerns preventing the election from taking place.

This is an important distinction because in recent times, concerns about potential violence have been used as a justification to delay or obstruct state elections. However, the Osun High Court has already clarified that the duty of security agencies is to protect the election, not to prevent it from happening. If there are credible security threats, the appropriate response should be strategic deployment of personnel to ensure peace, rather than using the situation to justify a postponement.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, must uphold the rule of law and ensure that their actions remain impartial, non-partisan, and in strict compliance with legal provisions. It is imperative that they avoid any steps that could be interpreted as politically motivated interference, as any perception of bias could erode public trust in the democratic process.

This writer, a psychologist, sides with no one but stands for Nigeria, democracy, and the rule of law. The duty of leaders and institutions is not to serve political interests but to protect the sanctity of democracy and obey judicial rulings. The Osun State local government elections must be handled in accordance with legal precedents, with full respect for the constitutional mandate of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC). Security agencies and federal authorities must ensure that democracy is practiced, not manipulated, and that the rights of Nigerians to choose their leaders are upheld without interference. The law must be followed, institutions must function independently, and the democratic process must not be sacrificed for political power.

Lessons from Rivers State—The Need for Institutional Independence

Nigeria has witnessed similar situations in the past, where federal security agencies were involved in election-related disputes at the state level. A notable example was the Rivers State local government election in October 2024.

During that election, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) took over the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission’s (RSIEC) office, withdrew security personnel, and replaced them in what many interpreted as an attempt to block the election. This move was justified by citing security concerns, but Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the RSIEC leadership refused to back down.

Eventually, the election proceeded despite initial interference, and security forces ultimately played their expected role in ensuring a peaceful process. This episode reinforced the importance of state autonomy in conducting elections and the need for security agencies to act in a nonpartisan manner.

The current situation in Osun mirrors what happened in Rivers, and it is crucial that federal institutions learn from past experiences. Rather than obstructing elections, security agencies must work towards providing a safe environment where people can exercise their democratic rights without fear.

The Law is Clear—State Elections Are Not Under Federal Control

The Court of Appeal has ruled that state-conducted local government elections fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs). This means that the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) has full legal authority to organize and conduct the election without federal interference.

Furthermore, Section 28 of the Electoral Act applies only to federal, governorship, and FCT area council elections, reinforcing the autonomy of states to manage their local government elections. Any attempt to interfere with the election would be in direct violation of judicial decisions and would set a negative precedent for the future of Nigeria’s democratic system.

Security Concerns Should Be Managed, Not Used as an Excuse to Halt Elections

Security is an essential aspect of any election, and it is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to ensure that the process is safe. However, rather than using security concerns as a reason to delay the election, the focus should be on deploying necessary resources to address any risks.

With the Osun High Court explicitly directing security agencies to provide protection for the election, there is no justification for withdrawing security personnel or allowing fear tactics to disrupt the democratic process. Elections have been conducted in Nigeria under far more difficult circumstances, and security challenges should not become an obstacle to upholding democracy.

If credible threats exist, security agencies should take proactive measures, such as increasing patrols, engaging with local leaders to diffuse tensions, and ensuring that polling stations are well-guarded. These steps can mitigate risks without compromising the electoral process.

IGP, AGF—Your Responsibility is to Support Democracy, Not Undermine It

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) hold key positions in ensuring that Nigeria’s democracy functions properly. Their role is not to decide whether elections should hold or not—that power belongs solely to the legally established state electoral bodies.

The IGP must ensure that security forces remain neutral and focused on their duty to protect citizens, not disrupt the democratic process. The AGF, as the chief legal officer of the nation, must uphold the Constitution and not allow legal arguments to be used as a tool to block legitimate electoral activities.

If there is any violence, disruption, or public unrest due to interference in the election, the responsibility will rest on those who failed to uphold law and order. The IGP and AGF must be cautious and ensure that their actions align with their sworn duty to protect democracy.

The World is Watching—Osun’s Election Must Be Free and Fair

Elections are a test of democratic maturity, and Nigeria’s ability to conduct peaceful and credible elections is closely monitored by the public, civil society, and international observers. Any disruption in the Osun election will draw attention to the actions of security agencies and federal authorities.

It is in the best interest of the IGP, AGF, and all federal institutions to be seen as facilitators of democracy rather than obstacles. Their actions will be remembered, and history will judge whether they upheld democratic values or contributed to weakening them.

A Call for Institutional Cooperation—Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy

Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when institutions work in harmony rather than in conflict. The Osun election should be an example of how federal and state institutions can collaborate to ensure a credible, transparent, and peaceful electoral process.

The people of Osun deserve the right to elect their local leaders without undue interference. The role of security forces, political leaders, and electoral officials must be focused on ensuring that the process remains legitimate and transparent.

The federal government, security agencies, and all stakeholders must prioritize strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions rather than undermining them. Respect for judicial rulings, state autonomy, and the principles of democracy should guide decision-making.

Final Call: Respect the Court’s Ruling—Let Democracy Prevail

Governor Adeleke’s decision to proceed with the election is backed by law, judicial rulings, and the principle of democratic governance. The Osun High Court has ruled that security agencies must provide protection, eliminating any excuse for delaying or obstructing the election.

The message to the IGP, AGF, and federal authorities is simple—follow the law, respect the court’s ruling, and do not be drawn into political interference. The security agencies have been directed to protect the election, so claims of “potential violence” should not be used to undermine the process.

This election is not just about Osun State—it is about the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy and the ability of institutions to function as intended. The best course of action is to let democracy take its course, allowing the people of Osun to exercise their right to vote in a peaceful and fair environment.

John Egbeazien Oshodi

Oshodi Open Door, also known as Oshodi Open Door Public Training (OOPDT, pronounced opidt), is a public awareness initiative promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in Africa through educational articles and resources at jos5930458@aol.com, and offers specialized Timely Response Solutions (TRS) training at minimal or no cost.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi is an American psychologist, educator, author specializing in forensic clinical psychology, cross-cultural psychology, police prison science, social justice. Born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, he is the son of a 37-year veteran of the Nigeria Police Force, a background that shaped his commitment to justice, security, psychological research.

A pioneer in forensic psychology, he introduced state-of-the-art forensic psychology to Nigeria in 2011 through the National Universities Commission (NUC) Nasarawa State University, where he served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology. His contributions extend beyond academia into psychological health behavioral change initiatives through the Oshodi Foundation the Center for Psychological Forensic Services.

Professor Oshodi has held faculty positions at Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Broward College, Nova Southeastern University, Lynn University. He is also a contributing faculty member in the doctoral undergraduate psychology programs at Walden University serves as a virtual professor with Weldios University and Iscom University.

Beyond academia, he is a government consultant for forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA previously served as Interim Associate Dean Assistant Professor at Broward College, Florida.

He has published extensively on mental health, justice, institutional reform is the founder of the Psychoafricalysis theory, which integrates African sociocultural perspectives into psychology.

Professor Oshodi remains an influential force in advancing psychology institutional reform globally, particularly in Africa.