Osun: APC takes over local governments amid tension as PDP alleges assassination plot

Osun State plunged into a deepening political crisis on Wednesday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) stormed local government secretariats across the state to resume office following a controversial Court of Appeal ruling.

The move, led by the Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government, Hon. Abiodun Idowu, who also serves as the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Osun State, saw APC chairmen taking control of several councils, freezing government accounts, and warning Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration against accessing local government funds.

Idowu, speaking to journalists in Osogbo, stated that the APC local government officials had legally resumed office and would not tolerate any interference from the state government.

In a strong directive, Idowu ordered the immediate freezing of various local government accounts to prevent what he described as unauthorized transactions by the PDP-led administration of Governor Adeleke.

“We are now in charge of the local governments, and any form of illegal transaction by the state government will have consequences,” he declared.

Idowu further urged the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to cancel the planned local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025, insisting that there were no vacancies in any of the 30 councils for new elections.

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The APC-controlled councils announced a major policy shift, reinstating over 1,500 teachers and 2,000 health workers who were sacked by Governor Adeleke’s administration upon assuming office.

“These workers were lawfully employed during the administration of Governor Gboyega Oyetola, and since their salaries come from local government allocations, their reinstatement will not disrupt governance,” Idowu stated.

He also emphasized the APC’s commitment to grassroots development, particularly in agriculture, education, and healthcare.

Reacting to the APC’s takeover, the Osun State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) raised alarm over an alleged plot to assassinate Governor Ademola Adeleke and forcefully remove him from office.

Speaking at a press conference, PDP Chairman Sunday Bisi accused the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, of aiding the APC in executing a “coup-like” invasion of the local councils.

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“We have uncovered a grand plan by the APC, in collaboration with the IGP, to eliminate our governor and hijack Osun State. The security agencies must be held accountable for their role in this unlawful act,” Bisi alleged.

He claimed that Special Forces deployed by the IGP had been escorting APC members into council offices, in defiance of the state government’s authority.

The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, also condemned the forceful takeover of local government councils, calling it an assault on democracy.

Egbedun urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the IGP to intervene, warning that the crisis could lead to violence and anarchy if not swiftly addressed.

“What we are witnessing is a direct attack on democracy. The APC cannot impose its will on Osun through illegal means,” he said.

He insisted that the Federal High Court’s ruling on local government administration in Osun must be respected, warning that those responsible for the crisis would be held accountable.

Concerned about the rising tensions, the House of Representatives has resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the security situation in Osun State.

The motion, sponsored by Bamidele Salam, called for urgent intervention to restore order and prevent further bloodshed.

Meanwhile, Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has cautioned against the forceful takeover of government institutions, warning that such actions could destabilize the state.

“Executing a judgment through self-help amounts to a coup. There are proper legal channels for enforcement, and the APC must follow due process,” Olajengbesi stated.

He urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could plunge Osun State into political chaos.

With APC council chairmen now in office, PDP’s allegations of an assassination plot, and security agencies caught in the middle, Osun State faces one of its most significant political crises in recent history.

As tension escalates ahead of the controversial local government election on Saturday, all eyes are on President Tinubu, the IGP, and the judiciary to determine the next course of action in this unfolding political drama.

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