Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating a violent takeover of the local government structure in Osun State. In a fiery press statement, Atiku condemned what he described as a blatant assault on democracy, alleging that the APC deployed armed thugs to seize control of all 30 local government area council secretariats.
The crisis erupted as tensions flared ahead of the local government elections, with reports indicating that heavily armed mercenaries—allegedly working under APC’s directives—stormed government facilities in a bid to impose their control. However, their plans were met with stiff resistance from the people of Osun, who refused to back down in the face of intimidation.
Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lambasted the Tinubu-led administration for allegedly turning a blind eye to the brazen display of political lawlessness. He accused the APC of abandoning democratic principles in favor of brute force, warning that such actions threaten the stability of Nigeria’s electoral system.
“The world is watching,” Atiku said, calling on security agencies to resist any attempt to be used as pawns in what he termed an “APC criminal agenda.” He urged law enforcement officers to remain neutral and uphold their constitutional duty during the upcoming elections.
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The former vice president praised the people of Osun for standing firm against what he called “political marauders,” emphasizing that their courage serves as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s democracy. He further warned that the APC’s alleged tactics in Osun could be a test run for wider electoral subversion across the country.
Atiku’s statement has sparked heated reactions across social media, with Nigerians expressing concern over the growing political unrest. Many have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rein in his party members and ensure that democratic principles are upheld.
With local government elections looming, the battle for Osun has become a flashpoint in Nigeria’s political landscape.
