Adeleke, Osun APC Trade Blame Over Protest Claim During Tinubu Visit

The Osun State Government and the All Progressives Congress on Friday disagreed over an alleged plan to stage a protest during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Osogbo, the state capital.

The dispute arose ahead of the President’s scheduled appearance in the state, with both sides accusing each other of political gamesmanship.

The state government claimed that members of the APC were preparing to organise a protest during the visit. It also alleged that the opposition party planned to create unrest and later blame it on the Peoples Democratic Party and the Accord Party.

The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, made the claim in a statement issued in Osogbo.

He advised residents to avoid Mandela Freedom Park, the venue of the President’s event, to prevent being caught in any disorder that might occur.

According to the government, the alleged protest was part of a political plan aimed at discrediting Governor Ademola Adeleke and his administration. It further stated that neither the PDP nor the Accord Party had any link to the reported protest plan.

The government also dismissed the political weight of some lawmakers expected to defect to the APC during the President’s visit, describing them as lacking real influence among voters.

In response, the Osun APC denied any plan to protest against President Tinubu. The party, through its spokesperson Kola Olabisi, described the allegation as false and said it was an attempt to distract from internal political challenges facing the governor.

The APC argued that the claim showed signs of political anxiety within the state government.

The opposition party also reacted to comments about recent defections, saying the exit of two senators and three House of Representatives members from the PDP to the APC was causing concern within the ruling party in the state.

The APC maintained that it had no reason to organise a protest against the President, especially during an official visit.

The party further called on security agencies, including the state Commissioner of Police, to monitor the situation closely. It accused the state government of raising unnecessary tension and warned against actions that could disturb public order.

Five National Assembly members elected under the PDP in the 2023 general elections are expected to be formally received into the APC during the event in Osogbo. The ceremony is part of political activities lined up to coincide with the President’s visit.

The exchange between the state government and the opposition party adds to growing political rivalry in Osun as preparations continue for future elections.