- Osun APC criticised Adeleke and Accord over security politicisation
- Accord warned police against accepting allegedly illegal vehicle donations
- Dispute highlighted tensions over council legitimacy and security efforts
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Accord Party over what it described as the politicisation of security matters in the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC stressed that the protection of lives and property should remain the foremost responsibility of government at all levels.
The party faulted recent remarks by the Accord Party, which had criticised local government efforts to support security agencies, particularly the donation of operational vehicles to the police by council chairmen.
According to the APC, the condemnation of the initiative was “uncalled for, frivolous and ill-motivated,” insisting that the council executives acted within their responsibilities to assist in combating crime across the state.
“It is surprising that a ruling party would condemn efforts aimed at strengthening security operations in the state,” Olabisi said.
The APC maintained that the donation of vehicles was intended to enhance policing capacity and improve safety for residents, arguing that such interventions should be encouraged rather than politicised.
The party further suggested that the criticism from the Accord Party stemmed from discomfort over what it described as the exposure of governance gaps within the current administration.
“We observe that the concern of the Accord Party is not about the policy itself but the fact that it highlights gaps in the priorities of the current administration,” the statement added.
Emphasising the need for unity, the APC warned against turning security into a political battleground, noting that collaboration among stakeholders is essential to effectively tackle crime.
It also reaffirmed that the reinstated council officials remain legally recognised pending the conclusion of ongoing judicial processes, including those before the Supreme Court.
“The council executives remain the duly elected representatives until all judicial processes are concluded,” Olabisi stated.
However, the Accord Party, in an earlier statement signed by its chairman, Victor Akande, had cautioned the Osun State Police Command against accepting the vehicles.
Akande alleged that the donations were proceeds of unlawful activities, claiming they were linked to funds diverted from local government accounts. He warned that accepting such donations could implicate the police in alleged misconduct.
The party also called on the Inspector-General of Police to intervene and prevent what it described as an attempt to compromise the integrity of the police force, noting that related matters are already before the courts.
The disagreement highlights growing political tensions in Osun State, particularly over governance, legality of local council leadership, and approaches to strengthening security infrastructure.