By Ayomide Otitoju
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against using federal influence to disrupt democratic processes in Osun State.
Makinde issued the warning on Sunday during the swearing-in ceremony of 30 newly elected local government chairmen in Osun State. He condemned any attempt to resort to self-help in local government administration, stressing the importance of following due process.
Call for Democratic Stability
Speaking at the event, Makinde referenced a recent South-West Governors’ Forum meeting in Lagos, where both APC and PDP governors gathered to address common regional issues. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to improve governance rather than fueling political discord.
“We all came together in the interest of our zone to tackle the challenges affecting our states. Our expectation is to have support from all levels of government because governance is about delivering for the people,” Makinde stated.
Expressing concern over violent incidents surrounding the Osun local government elections, Makinde cautioned against a repeat of the region’s past political crises.
“We are all students of history and remember the events that led to the ‘Wild Wild West’ crisis. We do not want that again. We just want to peacefully deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. Even if you have a court judgment, there is a process—follow it. You cannot use federal might to truncate democracy,” he warned.
Solidarity With Osun State
Governor Makinde attended the event alongside the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, to show support for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.
“The chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and I decided to be here to witness this momentous occasion and to stand in solidarity with the government and people of Osun State,” he said.
Congratulating the Newly Elected Chairmen
Makinde congratulated the new local government chairmen and urged them to fulfill their campaign promises.
“This is an opportunity for you to serve the people at the grassroots level. My prayer is that, with the support of your governor and the state government, you will succeed,” he told the new officials.
“For some of you, this will be a stepping stone to higher positions because the reward for hard work is more work.”
Controversy Over Osun Local Government Elections
The Osun local government elections, held on February 22, 2025, were marred by controversy. The PDP secured all chairmanship seats, but the APC dismissed the process as flawed.
Prior to the elections, both the Nigeria Police and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi had advised the Osun State government against proceeding with the exercise, citing security and legal concerns.
However, Governor Adeleke insisted the elections would go on, affirming his administration’s commitment to democratic governance.
