Osun PDP Warns APC Against Return to Council Secretariats, Alleges Plot to Disrupt Peace
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned individuals it described as All Progressives Congress (APC) agents against any attempt to occupy local government council secretariats across the state, warning that such actions could threaten public peace and violate the rule of law.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Osun PDP Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi, alleged that the party had received intelligence suggesting that some APC members, who claim to be local government chairmen, were planning to return to council secretariats on Monday.
According to Bisi, the individuals have no legal authority to occupy the offices, insisting that court decisions have invalidated their claims.
“We wish to restate unequivocally that these individuals have no legal standing whatsoever. They are political impostors whose claim to office has collapsed under the weight of judicial pronouncements and constitutional reality,” he said.
The PDP chairman warned against any attempt to forcefully gain access to local government facilities.
“We therefore warn these APC agents to steer clear of all local government council secretariats in Osun State. Any attempt to forcefully gain access to council facilities or interfere with the lawful administration of local governments will amount to a direct assault on the rule of law and a deliberate provocation capable of threatening public peace,” the statement added.
The party also called on security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, to take preventive measures to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
“The police and other security institutions have a constitutional responsibility to protect lives, property and democratic institutions, not to provide cover for political adventurers seeking to manufacture chaos after exhausting all legal options,” Bisi stated.
The PDP further referenced a recent Federal High Court judgment in Osogbo, which it said dismissed the grounds upon which the APC sought judicial recognition for an extension of the tenure of the affected officials.
“It is both reckless and irresponsible for them to contemplate resorting to self-help and lawlessness after failing in court,” the party said.
The ruling party maintained that local government chairmen and councillors elected on its platform remain the legitimate occupants of council offices in the state.
“Any further act of hooliganism or unlawful obstruction against these elected officials in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities amounts to a direct challenge to democratic governance and the collective will of the people of Osun State,” the statement noted.
The PDP also raised concerns over what it described as intelligence reports of an alleged plot to target political figures associated with Governor Ademola Adeleke’s political movement ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The party alleged that discussions relating to political violence and assassination plans were held during a recent political meeting at the Ila-Orangun residence of former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande.
While making the allegation, the PDP called on security agencies to investigate the claims.
“While we urge security agencies to thoroughly investigate these disturbing reports, we consider it necessary to place this intelligence in the public domain so that those behind such evil designs understand that their plans are no longer shrouded in secrecy,” Bisi said.
He added that the preservation of lives, democratic stability and public peace must remain a priority, urging security agencies to identify and neutralise any threat capable of undermining the state’s security.
The PDP therefore appealed to law enforcement agencies to act professionally, impartially and decisively in preventing any unlawful gathering, invasion or occupation of local government facilities by persons without lawful authority.