Federal Government using state institutions to weaken opposition in Osun – ADC
ADC Warns of Political Threats to Democracy Ahead of Osun Election
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized President Bola Tinubu for what it describes as a “win-at-all-costs” approach to politics, expressing concern for Nigeria’s democracy and national stability.
In a statement issued Wednesday by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that the federal government is employing state institutions to undermine the opposition in advance of the Osun State governorship election.
The ADC condemned the freezing of statutory allocations to local governments in Osun State, labeling the action as an act of “political terrorism” aimed at destabilizing the state government. The party warned that withholding these funds could adversely impact essential services, such as salaries for workers, primary healthcare, and education which the local population relies upon.
According to the ADC, President Tinubu’s political tactics resemble warfare, a strategy it argues is detrimental to the values of a democratic society. “No democracy worthy of the name deliberately sacrifices the welfare of innocent citizens in pursuit of partisan political ends,” the statement said. It described the diversion of funds for political gain as an unacceptable practice.
Furthermore, the ADC alleged that the freezing of local government funds is part of a broader strategy to destabilize Osun State. It claimed that unelected members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) continue to dominate local councils, while opposition figures face arrest and intimidation.
The party also accused APC-affiliated individuals of intimidating political opponents and criticized security agencies for their inaction in these matters. “Political opponents are not enemy combatants. Opposition-controlled states are not occupied territories,” the ADC stated.
The party called for the immediate restoration of statutory allocations to Osun State’s local governments and urged the federal government to conclude its intimidation of the state. It emphasized that the residents of Osun should be allowed to choose their leaders without interference.
“What the people of Osun deserve is the democratic right to freely choose who governs them. But right now, they have been placed under siege. This has to stop,” the ADC asserted.
