The All Progressives Congress leadership accuses the Osun State Government of potentially manufacturing tension at local government levels and motor parks.
Tajudeen Lawal, the Osun State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has issued a strong caution to Governor Ademola Adeleke. Lawal's warning highlights a possible attempt by the state government to ignite fresh political tension within local government councils across Osun State, a situation he believes could destabilize the region.
This alert follows a recent statement from the Osun State Government itself, which alleged that certain stakeholders were planning to incite crises at local government secretariats and motor parks, especially in the aftermath of the August 15, 2026, governorship election.
In a public statement released on Sunday by Kola Olabisi, the Osun APC Director of Media and Information, Lawal urged Governor Adeleke to refrain from any actions that could plunge Osun State into another cycle of political instability, according to reporting by Daily Post Nigeria.
Concerns Over Allegations and Political Interference
The APC chairman expressed significant concern that the Osun State Government might use purported security issues as an excuse to intimidate political opponents or interfere with the independent administration of local governments. Lawal emphasized that while allegations of planned attacks on council secretariats and motor parks should be taken seriously, they must be founded on credible intelligence.
He challenged the state government to promptly submit any such intelligence to relevant security agencies for thorough investigation and appropriate action, stressing the importance of doing so without any political interference. Lawal asserted that, “the people of Osun deserve protection, peace and security rather than fear, intimidation or political persecution.”
Protecting Local Government Occupants and Council Workers
Lawal further drew the attention of security agencies to the fact that administrations led by the APC-affiliated Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) currently occupy local government council premises throughout the state. He specifically called upon the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to guarantee the safety of all serving local government officials, council workers, and other lawful occupants of these premises, regardless of their political affiliations.
“The APC-led ALGON local government administrations are the current occupants of these council premises. The responsibility of the police is to protect lives and property and guarantee their safety,” Lawal stated. He added firmly, “Nobody should be attacked, intimidated or forcibly removed under the guise of political disagreement.” The APC chairman also requested adequate deployment of security personnel to local government secretariats across Osun to prevent any individual or group from taking the law into their own hands.
Avoiding a Repeat of Past Political Violence in Osun
The Osun APC chairman voiced concern over the potential for a recurrence of what he described as the alleged treatment meted out to Remi Abass in the past. He strongly warned that political disagreements should never serve as an excuse for the abuse of citizens or the misuse of state power against political adversaries.
Lawal implored Governor Adeleke to exercise restraint, reminding him that he serves as the governor for the entire state, including all residents who may not have voted for him. “Osun cannot afford another cycle of political violence. If the government has credible intelligence about plans to attack local government councils or motor parks, let it hand such intelligence over to the security agencies instead of using the allegation to create unnecessary tension,” Lawal declared.
Call for Neutrality, Dialogue, and Responsible Leadership
Beyond his immediate concerns, Lawal appealed to the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other relevant agencies to intensify security around council secretariats, motor parks, and other sensitive locations. He urged all political actors to avoid provocative statements and actions that could escalate tensions, emphasizing that political differences should always be resolved through dialogue, constitutional means, and, when necessary, the courts.
Lawal insisted that security agencies must remain neutral, professional, and impartial, underscoring that the safety of citizens should never be determined by political affiliation. “Osun people are watching. This is the time for responsible leadership, not revenge politics. No political victory is worth the blood, freedom or property of any citizen,” he concluded. He also appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, while urging security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, preventive deployment, and continuous monitoring of sensitive areas across Osun State, responding promptly to potential threats rather than waiting for violence to occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issued the warning about potential crisis in Osun local government councils?
The warning about a possible fresh crisis in Osun local government councils was issued by Tajudeen Lawal, the Osun State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
What are the main concerns raised by the APC chairman regarding Osun's political climate?
The APC chairman is primarily concerned that the Osun State Government might be creating tension at local government councils and motor parks, potentially using security allegations as a pretext to intimidate political opponents and interfere with local governance.
Which government official was specifically warned by the APC about actions capable of causing tension?
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State was specifically cautioned by the APC chairman against actions that could lead to another round of political tension and violence.
What role does the APC expect security agencies to play in resolving the Osun local government dispute?
The APC expects security agencies like the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, and NSCDC to remain neutral and impartial, guarantee the safety of all local government officials and occupants, investigate credible intelligence without political interference, and intensify security in sensitive locations to prevent violence.
What is the APC's stance on resolving political disagreements in Osun State?
The APC chairman advocates for resolving political differences through dialogue, constitutional means, and the courts, urging political actors to avoid provocative statements and emphasizing that no political victory is worth the blood or freedom of citizens.