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ADC accuses the Federal Government of deliberately withholding statutory allocations to Osun local governments in a bid to weaken Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration.
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Opposition party warns that the suspension of funds will disrupt salary payments, healthcare, basic education, rural infrastructure and other essential grassroots services across the state.
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ADC alleges a broader pattern of political intimidation, citing arbitrary arrests of Accord Party members, the continued occupation of local government councils and the alleged misuse of federal institutions against opposition forces.
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Party calls for the immediate release of the withheld allocations and urges the Federal Government to guarantee a free, fair and credible governorship election by respecting constitutional democracy.
August 6, (THEWILL) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the suspension of statutory allocations to local governments in Osun State, accusing the Federal Government of using state institutions to undermine Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party described the withholding of local government funds as a politically motivated action that threatens democratic governance and the welfare of residents across the state.
According to the ADC, the suspension of statutory allocations was designed to weaken the Osun State Government at a critical period when preparations for the governorship election have entered their final phase.
The party argued that local government allocations are constitutional entitlements meant to support grassroots governance and should never be deployed as instruments of partisan political contest.
The ADC warned that the alleged withholding of funds would have severe consequences for local government administration, particularly in the payment of salaries and the delivery of essential public services.
According to the party, primary healthcare centres, basic education programmes, rural infrastructure projects and other community-based services would be adversely affected if the allocations remained suspended.
“No democratic government should sacrifice the welfare of citizens in pursuit of political objectives,” the party stated.
It further accused the President Bola Tinubu administration of treating political competition as warfare rather than allowing democratic institutions to function independently.
Raises Fresh Allegations of Political Intimidation
The party alleged that individuals loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) continued to occupy local government councils without democratic legitimacy, while accusing federal institutions of failing to enforce the rule of law.
It also alleged that members and candidates of the Accord Party had been subjected to arbitrary arrests and intimidation, while armed groups allegedly linked to the ruling party continued to harass political opponents and communities.
The party further claimed that some elements within the Nigeria Police Force had provided protection for such groups, warning that the distinction between neutral state institutions and partisan political interests was becoming increasingly blurred.
According to the ADC, opposition-controlled states should not be treated as “occupied territories” because of political differences with the Federal Government.
The opposition party demanded the immediate release of all statutory allocations due to Osun State’s local governments, insisting that grassroots governance should not become a casualty of political rivalry.
It also called for an end to what it described as federal intimidation of the Osun State Government and urged all relevant institutions to restore constitutional order ahead of the governorship election.
“The people of Osun deserve the democratic right to freely choose who governs them,” the statement read.
The ADC urged the Federal Government to ensure that democratic institutions remain impartial and that the August 15 governorship election is conducted in an atmosphere free of intimidation, coercion and political interference.
Background
The ADC’s statement adds to the growing political tension ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election. In recent days, the Osun State Government has accused federal agencies of targeting the Adeleke administration following the freezing of the state’s account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The move the anti-graft agency said was linked to an ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion of N11 billion in public funds. Governor Ademola Adeleke has since filed a suit challenging the account freeze, describing it as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
