Two Major  CSOs Protest Against Osun LG Crisis

Abuja, Nigeria — Two major civil society organisations have urged the federal government to take immediate action over the continued occupation of Osun State local government council secretariats by officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite court rulings declaring their presence illegal.

In separate peaceful protests held in Abuja on Wednesday, the Nigeria Society for Democracy and Good Governance (NSDGG) and the Coalition of Civil Society for Justice and Equity (CCSJE) called on the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Minister of Finance to stop recognising and funding the APC officials and instead support the duly elected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmen and councillors.

The demonstrators began their march from the Unity Fountain and moved to the offices of both ministers, where they submitted petitions demanding full enforcement of judicial rulings and respect for democratic processes.

According to the groups, the PDP officials were lawfully elected on February 22, 2025, in an election conducted by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022. They noted that despite court judgments nullifying the APC’s appointments, the party’s officials still occupy the council offices.

Speaking to reporters, CCSJE Chairman, Comrade Collins Idowu, warned that the crisis posed serious constitutional and financial risks. He called on the Minister of Finance to immediately halt all allocations to the disputed APC-controlled councils and channel funds to the legitimate PDP representatives.

He said, “This is not just a political matter. It is a grave threat to the rule of law and democratic governance. Continued defiance of court orders by the APC functionaries is eroding public trust and weakening the foundation of our democracy.”

In a similar tone, NSDGG spokesperson, Ambassador Usman Saidu Calculus, described the situation as a direct attack on democracy. He cautioned that continuing to fund unelected officials sets a dangerous precedent and could lead to further instability at the grassroots level.

He added, “We expect the government to act quickly and decisively. The people of Osun State voted for their leaders, and their choice must be respected. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.”

By Enoch Odesola | July 9, 2025