Osun Govt Under Fire Over Alleged Intimidation of LG Workers

The Nigeria Peace and Security Advancement Network (NiPSAN) and the Local Government Development Initiative (LGDI), have accused the Osun State Government of alleged political victimisation and intimidation of local government workers following the 2026 governorship election.

The groups called for urgent intervention by the Federal Government and relevant institutions to protect workers’ constitutional rights and prevent political differences from influencing decisions on public employment.

They made the call during a joint press conference in Abuja, where they alleged that some local government employees had been subjected to suspension and other administrative sanctions because of their perceived political affiliations and alleged failure to support Governor Ademola Adeleke during the election.

In a joint statement signed by Hon. Abigi Akaaer Joshua, Assistant Secretary of NiPSAN and Musa Alaku Godiya, Assistant Publicity Secretary, LGDI, the organisations cited the reported suspension of leaders and members of Concerned NULGE, the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, in Osun State as an example of what they described as arbitrary punishment.

The groups maintained that political opinions and voting choices should not determine the treatment of public servants, insisting that workers must be allowed to exercise their democratic rights without fear of losing their jobs.

“A local government worker should not be expected to surrender his or her constitutional rights as a condition for securing a place in public service. Political preference, voting choice, or peaceful expression of political opinion should never constitute grounds for victimisation,” the statement read.

NiPSAN and LGDI argued that if workers were being sanctioned on the basis of their political views, such actions would raise serious constitutional concerns.

They cited Sections 14(2)(c), 42 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, in support of their position, referencing democratic participation, protection against discrimination based on political opinion and the right to a fair hearing.

The organisations also expressed concern that individuals seeking political favour could allegedly use administrative powers to target workers, warning that such practices, if established, could undermine democratic principles and confidence in public institutions.

To address the allegations, the groups appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Justice to ensure respect for the rule of law and constitutional provisions in the handling of the matter.

They urged the National Human Rights Commission to conduct an independent investigation into reports of political discrimination and intimidation against local government workers in Osun State.

The organisations also called on the national leadership of NULGE and the Nigeria Labour Congress to intervene on behalf of affected union members, while asking the Nigeria Police Force to protect public servants from any harassment or threats linked to their political opinions.

The groups urged the Osun State Government to review the reported suspensions involving members of Concerned NULGE and ensure that disciplinary procedures are guided by due process rather than political considerations.

They stressed that democratic participation would be weakened if public servants felt compelled to conceal their political views for fear of losing their means of livelihood.

“Nigeria’s democracy cannot be strengthened if citizens are made to fear losing their jobs because of how they vote. The ballot belongs to the citizen, public employment belongs to the public service, and the Constitution belongs to every Nigerian,” the statement added.

NiPSAN and LGDI maintained that their intervention was non-partisan, saying their concern was to protect workers’ rights, uphold constitutional principles and promote democratic accountability.