Politics
Osun govt alleges APC plot to disrupt President Tinubu visit
The Osun State Government has alleged that the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, is planning a protest aimed at causing a breakdown of law and order during the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the state tomorrow.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said the government had uncovered what he described as a sinister plan by the APC to stage a self-sponsored protest and attribute any ensuing unrest to the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
According to the commissioner, the alleged protest was designed to blackmail the state government and create tension ahead of the President’s one-day official visit to Osun.
Alimi stated that the government would not be intimidated by what he termed clandestine acts aimed at disrupting public peace.
He urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding.
“As a government, we wish to let members of the public, particularly the peace-loving people of Osun, be wary of this grand plan already put in place and waiting to be hatched tomorrow while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visits Osun State,” he said.
The commissioner added that neither the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, nor the Accord Party in the state had any involvement in the alleged protest, despite ongoing disputes surrounding withheld local government allocations.
He expressed confidence that the issues relating to local government administration would be resolved through legal processes, stating that justice would take its course in due time.
Alimi further alleged that the planned protest was a diversionary tactic intended to portray the Adeleke administration in a negative light as political activities intensify ahead of the August 8, 2026 governorship election.
“To this end, the state government advises residents to steer clear of Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, the venue of the President’s visit, so as not to be innocently caught up in any self-sponsored protest,” he said.
He also alleged that the APC was apprehensive about the forthcoming election, adding that the current administration continues to enjoy public support across the state.
The commissioner referenced recent political developments, including reported defections of federal lawmakers, describing some of the politicians expected to be formally received into the APC fold as having limited electoral impact.
Responding to the allegations, the APC in Osun dismissed the claims as baseless and unfounded.
In a separate statement signed by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the party denied planning any protest against the President’s visit.
Olabisi described “the allegation as spurious and urged members of the public to disregard what he called a fabrication.”
He maintained that “the President’s visit was a source of joy for party members and supporters.”
He also called on security agencies, including the state Commissioner of Police, to remain vigilant and ensure the maintenance of law and order during the visit.