Osun LG Polls: Makinde Warns APC Against Truncating Democracy

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has cautioned the APC against actions that could undermine democracy in the Osun local government elections. Read more on the political tensions.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against undermining democracy by taking matters into their own hands regarding local government administration in Osun State.

The governor issued this warning on Sunday at the inauguration ceremony of Osun State’s 30 newly elected local government chairmen.

Makinde urged the APC to refrain from using federal power to disrupt democratic procedures.

Recently, we attended the South-West Governors’ Forum meeting in Lagos, where both PDP and APC governors from the region were present. We united to address shared issues affecting our zone, with expectations of support extending to top levels. Our primary goal is effective governance that delivers tangible benefits to people across our states and zones.

When events began to escalate here in Osun State, resulting in the tragic loss of lives, we felt compelled to come forward and issue a warning. As students of history, we’re aware of what happened in the South-West Region that earned it the nickname ‘Wild Wild West’ back then; we certainly don’t want a repeat of those times.

Our goal is to peacefully provide the benefits of democracy to our citizens. Therefore, no one should take matters into their own hands. Even if you possess a court judgment, there is an established process that must be followed. You cannot attempt to undermine this process simply because you believe you have federal influence or power. This arrangement operates within a federal system.

Today, with my colleagues present, including PDP Governors Forum Chairman Senator Bala Muhammad from Bauchi State and Engr. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, I administered the oath of office to the newly elected Chairmen for all 30 local government councils in Osun State.

He congratulated the newly-elected chairmen and urged them to deliver on democratic promises for their constituents, ensuring they justify the trust placed in them.

“The governor of Oyo extended congratulations to the newly appointed chairpersons and chairmen of all 30 Local Government Areas in Osun State.”

Remember the commitments you made to the public during your campaign. This is a chance for you to fulfill those promises at the grassroots level. I hope that, with backing from your governor and state government, you’ll succeed in delivering on them.

“For some of you, this will be a stepping stone to greater opportunities, as success often leads to more responsibilities.”

Governor Adeleke voted in the Osun State local government election on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

Governor Makinde, along with Bala Mohammed, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and governor of Bauchi State, attended the swearing-in event in Osogbo to show their support for Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

Makinde informed the gathering, “The chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and I chose to attend this momentous occasion to express our solidarity with both the government and people of Osun State.”

The period leading up to the Osun local government elections was fraught with conflict. The PDP dominated the election, securing every chairmanship seat, but the APC has rejected the legitimacy of the process.

The police authorities and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, requested that the Osun State government refrain from proceeding with the exercise due to concerns over security and legal issues.

However, on Friday, Governor Adeleke firmly stated that there would be no reversal regarding the election.