The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, has raised the alarm over what he described as disturbing indications of a possible attempt by the state government to create fresh tension and cause unrest at local government councils across the state.
Lawal’s position followed the recent statement by the Osun State Government alleging plans by some stakeholders to cause crises at local government councils and motor parks in the aftermath of the 15 August 2026 governorship election.
In a statement issued by the Osun APC Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Kola Olabisi, the APC chairman cautioned Governor Ademola Adeleke against any action capable of plunging the state into another round of political tension, warning that the government must not use security concerns as a pretext to intimidate political opponents or interfere with the administration of local governments.
The APC chairman said the state government’s alarm over alleged plans to attack local government councils and motor parks must be treated with seriousness if it is based on credible intelligence. He however, challenged the government to provide such intelligence to the relevant security agencies and allow them to investigate and take appropriate action professionally and without political interference.
According to him, the people of Osun deserve protection, peace and security, not fear, intimidation or political persecution.
Lawal specifically called the attention of the security agencies to the fact that the APC-led Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) administrations are the current occupants of the local government council premises across the state.
He therefore, charged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to guarantee the safety of the serving local government officials, council workers and other lawful occupants of the council premises, regardless of their political affiliation.
He stressed that political differences cannot justify the invasion of the council secretariats, forceful removal of officials or any action capable of endangering the lives of those lawfully occupying the premises.
“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. Nobody should be attacked, intimidated or forcibly removed under the guise of political disagreement,” Lawal stated.
The APC chairman urged the security agencies to deploy adequate personnel to local government secretariats across Osun and ensure that no individual or group is allowed to take the law into its own hands.
Lawal further expressed concern over what he described as the possibility of a repeat of the alleged treatment meted out to Remi Abass, warning that political disagreements must never become an excuse for the abuse of citizens or the deployment of state power against political opponents.
He urged Governor Adeleke to exercise restraint and remember that he is the governor of the entire state, including citizens who did not vote 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 said.
The APC chairman also charged the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant security agencies to be more proactive in protecting lives and property across Osun State.
He stressed that security agencies must remain neutral, professional and impartial, insisting that the safety of citizens must never be determined by political affiliation.
Lawal particularly called for increased security around local government secretariats, motor parks and other sensitive locations across the state. He urged security agencies to act on credible intelligence and prevent any planned attack before it occurs.
He also cautioned political actors against provocative statements and actions capable of escalating tensions in the state.
The APC chairman maintained that political differences should be resolved through dialogue, constitutional means and, where necessary, the courts, rather than through intimidation, violence or the unlawful use of force.
Lawal further warned that the peace of Osun must not be sacrificed for political interests, stressing that the state belongs to all its citizens and not to any individual or political party.
He therefore, called on Governor Adeleke to demonstrate responsible leadership by reducing political tension, protecting opposition members and ensuring that government institutions and security agencies are not used as instruments of political persecution.
“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,” the APC chairman added.
The APC chairman urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while calling on security agencies to remain vigilant and take decisive action against anyone found planning or perpetrating violence, irrespective of political affiliation.
He reiterated that the police and other security agencies must not wait until violence occurs before responding. Intelligence gathering, preventive deployment and constant monitoring of sensitive locations, particularly local government secretariats and motor parks, should be intensified immediately.
The Osun APC chairman concluded by reiterating that the state needs peace, justice and responsible leadership, not another cycle of political confrontation.
e-SIGNED:
Mogaji KOLA OLABISI,
Osun State APC Director of Media and Information.
