A heated political dispute has erupted between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over the recently conducted local government elections in Osun State. The controversy stems from allegations of illegitimacy surrounding the polls, which saw the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) sweep all 30 local government areas (LGAs) and 332 wards.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State officially inaugurated the newly elected council chairmen on Sunday. The event, held at the Government House in Osogbo, was attended by prominent figures, including Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor, Muhammed Bala.
However, the APC has strongly criticized the outcome of the elections, describing them as unlawful. In a statement released by its spokesperson, Mr. Felix Morka, the party urged the Federal Government to suspend financial allocations to Osun’s local government councils. The APC claimed that Governor Adeleke’s administration had disregarded the rule of law and a binding judgment from the Court of Appeal by conducting the elections.
The statement read; “Governor Adeleke conducted what he purported to be local government elections on February 22, 2025, despite a valid judgment from the Court of Appeal. The Federal Government should release allocations only to democratically elected and judicially certified officials in Osun State.”
The APC further argued that the Court of Appeal had nullified an earlier Federal High Court judgment, thereby reinstating the previously sacked local government officials until their terms expire in October 2025. The party accused Governor Adeleke of violating Section 7(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees a system of local government by democratically elected councils.
Describing the election as “a disgraceful sham,” the APC labeled it unconstitutional and claimed it was a reckless misuse of public funds. The party warned that such actions could incite violence in the already tense political climate of Osun State. It advised Governor Adeleke to pursue legal redress at the Supreme Court if he wished to challenge the existing judgment instead of organizing what it described as illegal elections.
Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State responded sharply to the APC’s allegations. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected officials, Makinde cautioned the APC against destabilizing Osun State, warning them not to turn it into a “wild west.”
Makinde, who stood alongside PDP Governors Forum Chairman, Governor Bala Muhammed, emphasized that the rule of law must prevail. He condemned any attempts by the opposition to resort to self-help or provoke unrest in the state.
“We don’t want a return to the wild, wild west era. The APC should stay away from Osun and allow us to provide the dividends of democracy to our people in peace,” Makinde stated. He insisted that if the APC had any legal grievances, there were appropriate judicial channels for enforcement, adding that the era of relying on federal might to subvert democratic processes was over.
Makinde further warned that those instigating trouble in Osun should learn from history and avoid plunging the state into unnecessary crises. He stressed that issues surrounding the elections could be resolved peacefully through the courts, without resorting to political provocations.
