The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Federal Government of using state institutions to weaken the Osun State Government ahead of the forthcoming governorship election, alleging that the suspension of statutory allocations to local government councils in the state is politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party described the withholding of local government funds as an attack on democratic governance, warning that the decision could deepen hardship for residents by disrupting essential public services.
According to the ADC, local government allocations should not be deployed as tools of political contest, insisting that the move is aimed at undermining the Osun State administration for partisan advantage.
The party said the suspension of allocations would have far-reaching consequences, including delays in the payment of workers’ salaries, disruption of primary healthcare services, basic education, rural infrastructure projects, and other grassroots development programmes.
“No democratic government should sacrifice the welfare of citizens in pursuit of political objectives,” the statement read, while accusing the administration of President Bola Tinubu of approaching political competition as warfare.
The ADC further alleged that the development forms part of a broader effort to destabilise constitutional governance in Osun State. It claimed that individuals loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) continue to occupy local government councils without democratic legitimacy, while accusing federal institutions of failing to uphold the rule of law.
The party also raised concerns over what it described as increasing political intimidation, alleging that members and candidates of the Accord Party had been subjected to arbitrary arrests. It further claimed that armed groups linked to the ruling party had intimidated political opponents and communities, while alleging that some personnel of the Nigeria Police Force provided protection for such groups.
According to the ADC, the developments reflect a growing erosion of the distinction between state institutions and partisan political interests, warning that opposition-controlled states should not be treated as “occupied territories.”
The party called for the immediate release of all statutory allocations due to Osun State’s local governments, an end to what it described as federal intimidation, and the restoration of constitutional order.
It also urged the Federal Government to ensure that democratic institutions remain neutral in the lead-up to the governorship election, stressing that the people of Osun deserve the freedom to choose their leaders without interference.
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