The ADC accuses Tinubu of adopting a “win-at-all-costs” political approach, warning that such actions could threaten Nigeria’s democracy and national stability.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) made the allegation in a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, where the party claimed that the Federal Government was using state institutions to weaken opposition parties ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
The opposition party criticised the reported freezing of statutory allocations meant for local governments in Osun State, describing the action as politically motivated and harmful to residents.
According to the ADC, withholding the funds could negatively affect workers’ salaries, primary healthcare services, education, and other essential government programmes.
The party argued that President Bola Tinubu’s alleged approach to political contests portrays elections as a battle rather than a democratic process.
“No democracy worthy of the name deliberately sacrifices the welfare of innocent citizens in pursuit of partisan political ends,” the statement said.
The ADC accuses Tinubu of allowing public resources and institutions to become tools in political disputes, alleging that the situation in Osun was part of a broader attempt to weaken the state government.
The party also alleged that some local government councils remained under the control of individuals it described as APC loyalists, while opposition members had faced intimidation and arrests.
The ADC further claimed that suspected political thugs linked to the ruling party had been allowed to harass opponents, accusing security agencies of failing to take appropriate action.
“Political opponents are not enemy combatants. Opposition-controlled states are not occupied territories. Public institutions do not belong to whichever party temporarily controls the federal government,” the party stated.
The opposition party called for the immediate restoration of local government allocations in Osun State and urged the Federal Government to stop what it described as political intimidation.
It maintained that residents of Osun State should be allowed to freely choose their leaders without interference.
The ADC accuses Tinubu controversy comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the Osun governorship election, with opposition parties raising concerns over the fairness of the electoral environment.
BACKSTORY:
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is one of Nigeria’s opposition parties preparing for future electoral contests, including the 2027 general elections. The party has recently increased criticism of the President Bola Tinubu administration over issues relating to governance, elections, and the treatment of opposition parties.
The latest dispute is linked to developments in Osun State, where political tension has increased ahead of the governorship election. The state has witnessed accusations and counter-accusations between the ruling parties and opposition groups over alleged intimidation, security concerns, and control of government resources.
The Federal Government and ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have previously maintained that actions taken by government agencies are based on legal and administrative processes rather than political motives.
The ADC’s latest statement adds to ongoing debates about political competition, the independence of state institutions, and the need for credible elections in Nigeria.
