03/09/2025
Osun PDP Cautions APC Against Using Police as a Tool, Warns Against Brewing Crisis in the State
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Osun State Chapter, has noted with utter dismay the latest falsehood being circulated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise in Ifelodun Local Government, particularly Ikirun.
We wish to categorically state that the APC must desist from dragging the Nigeria Police Force into partisan politics. Turning the police into an appendage of their already sinking party is not only alien to the practice of constitutional democracy but also a dangerous trend capable of pushing the resilient and peace-loving people of Osun State to the wall.
What has become obvious is a disturbing pattern where the APC deliberately instigates crises, only to turn around and call on the police to victimize the victims of their aggression. This shameful script has been repeatedly enacted at several INEC registration centres across the state, where our party leaders and supporters have been subjected to harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests based on spurious petitions sponsored by the APC.
We therefore call on the Osun State Police Command to rise above partisan manipulation and safeguard its integrity. The police owe the people of Osun a duty of impartiality, professionalism, and proactive service. Any attempt to lend its machinery to the sinister plot of the APC will not only compromise peace and order but also risk setting the state on avoidable tension and upheaval.
Let it be placed on record that Otunba Sarafadeen Awotunde, whom the APC is maliciously targeting, is not only a distinguished stalwart of our great party but also the serving Executive Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government. Painting him as a thug is part of a calculated APC strategy to take him out of the ongoing CVR process and weaken the stronghold of the PDP in the council area. This we will resist, as our party will not allow its leaders to be hounded out of political space through concocted allegations.
The APC should be reminded that its dwindling relevance in Osun State is not due to the PDP but its own lack of capacity, credibility, and acceptance among the people. Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration has redefined governance and continues to enjoy the massive support of the people. Rather than face this reality, the APC has resorted to police blackmail, media propaganda, and false alarm. The police must not become their partner in this dangerous political gamble.
Similar harassment cases against PDP members in Boluwaduro, Boripe, Ife, and other INEC-designated centres have also been brought to our notice. We wish to state emphatically that such brazen abuse of security institutions will no longer be tolerated.
The PDP hereby warns that any attempt to compromise the neutrality of the police in the ongoing CVR exercise is an invitation to anarchy. We urge the police to maintain professionalism, protect all citizens without bias, and resist being used as a willing tool for political persecution.
The people of Osun are watching. The world is watching. And history will not be kind to those who place partisan interest above the peace and stability of our dear state.
Signed:
Hezekiah Oladele Bamiji (HOB)
Director of Media & Publicity,
PDP Osun State.
03/09/2025
