The political tension in Osun State took a deadly turn on Monday, with at least two people reportedly killed, including the Chairman of Irewole Local Government, Alhaji Remi Abass.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of the state’s ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had earlier raised an alarm of a breakdown of law and order in the southwestern state.
The opposition in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC), urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the state. Senator Ajibola Basiru of the APC said, “It has gotten to that stage where hapless people coming from farms are attacked by uncontrollable PDP thugs.“
The state government rejected this call, accusing the APC of deliberately causing mayhem. “I call on our amiable president to reject the call of Honourable Bashiru and his cohorts. They deliberately caused mayhem in this state,” said Osun State Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi.
The crisis escalated when reinstated Local Government chairmen and councillors, claiming to enforce a court ruling, attempted to resume office. The move led to violent resistance in places like Oshogbo, Ikire, and Irewole, resulting in the death of one council chairman, Remi Abbas.
In response, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun deployed additional tactical squads to Osun State to restore order. “The police condemn the incidents that disrupted peace and safety in the state,” the IGP stated.
The state is due for local government elections this weekend, Saturday 22 February 2025.
Atiku Abubakar Accuses Tinubu’s APC
Former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar accused President Bola Tinubu‘s APC of desperation to retain power. Atiku said, “The Tinubu-led APC is desperate to retain power at all costs through political brigandage and subversion of Nigerian democracy.“
Atiku responded to the Osun State local government crisis and the invasion of the Lagos State House of Assembly by security operatives. He charged Nigerians to stop Tinubu’s government from subverting democracy. “Nigerians bore witness to a chilling display of lawlessness yesterday, as the Tinubu-led APC exposed the depths of its desperation to retain power at all costs,” Atiku said.
He accused the APC of orchestrating an assault on the democratic process in Osun, attempting to hijack local government elections through brute force. “Armed thugs and mercenaries, operating under the party’s protection, launched an audacious bid to seize control of all 30 local government area council secretariats,” Atiku alleged.
Atiku praised the Osun people for their resistance. “The people have shown beyond doubt that they will not allow their electoral rights to be stolen,” he said. He called on security agencies to uphold their duty professionally during the upcoming elections. “The world is watching,” Atiku warned.
Analysis of Crisis
The political crisis in Osun State remains tense, with both the APC and PDP trading accusations and calls for calm and order. Nigerians are urged to remain vigilant as the situation unfolds.
Osun State is the only stronghold of PDP in the South West of Nigeria with Senator Ademola Adeleke of PDP as governor.
In 2022, he defeated Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of the APC (President’ Tinubu’s nephew). My Oyetola is reportedly attempting a comeback in next year’s gubernatorial election.
The control of local governments is considered a critical asset for winning higher levels of elections in Nigeria.
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