Party alleges federal interference, fund freeze and intimidation tactics aimed at weakening opposition in Osun State governorship race

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over what it describes as a growing threat to Nigeria’s democracy, accusing President Bola Tinubu of adopting a “win-at-all-costs” approach to politics ahead of the Osun State governorship election.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, alleged that federal authorities were deploying state institutions to weaken opposition forces in the state.

At the centre of the controversy is the reported freezing of statutory allocations meant for local governments in Osun. The ADC condemned the move, calling it “political terrorism” that could have far-reaching consequences for ordinary residents.

According to the party, withholding the funds would directly affect the payment of workers’ salaries and disrupt essential services such as primary healthcare, education, and rural development programmes.

The ADC argued that treating political competition as warfare undermines the very foundation of democracy. It warned that using public resources and institutions as tools for political advantage could erode public trust and destabilise governance.

“No democracy worthy of the name sacrifices the welfare of its citizens for partisan gains,” the statement said, noting that critical sectors like healthcare and education should never be turned into bargaining tools in political contests.

The party further alleged that the situation in Osun reflects a broader attempt to destabilise the state. It claimed that some individuals aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were still occupying local government councils despite not being duly elected, while opposition members faced harassment and intimidation.

It also accused security agencies of failing to act against alleged threats and intimidation by political thugs, a development it said raises concerns about neutrality and the rule of law.

“Political opponents are not enemies, and opposition-led states are not territories to be subdued,” the ADC stated, urging authorities to respect democratic norms and institutions.

Calling for urgent action, the party demanded the immediate release of the withheld local government funds and an end to what it described as undue interference in Osun’s political process.

The ADC stressed that the people of Osun must be allowed to exercise their democratic right to choose their leaders freely, warning that anything short of that would amount to an assault on Nigeria’s democratic principles.