News Update
A civic group, the Coalition for Good Governance, has condemned the attempts by certain individuals and groups allegedly sponsored by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to misrepresent court rulings and pressure the Federal Government over the ongoing local government crisis in Osun State.
The group, in a press statement signed by its Convener, Adedokun Ismail on Wednesday, criticized a recent press conference held in Abuja by a group known as the Transparency Centre Network (TCN) led by Ayuba Ahmed. It described the group as a “sponsored and self-styled activist body meddling in Osun State affairs.”
According to the coalition, the TCN’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal judgment on the Osun local government matter is misleading and aimed at causing confusion.
The group noted that the Court of Appeal had already reinstated the chairmen and councillors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in its ruling delivered on February 10, 2025, and that this judgment remains unchallenged at the Supreme Court.
“Their claims are not only deceptive but also a direct insult to the independence of the judiciary, Obeying court orders is a sacred constitutional duty, but not one dictated by the personal interpretation of sponsored groups”, the statement read.
The Coalition accused Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and his allies of attempting to undermine the judiciary by pushing their own reading of a subsequent Appeal Court judgment delivered on June 13, 2025, even while the February 10 decision remains legally binding.
“They are trying to force their narrative on the public and the Federal Government, but only the Supreme Court can overturn the current legal standing,” the group added.
The statement also warned against inciting public unrest, recalling past violence allegedly linked to PDP protests, including the death of a local government chairman in Ikire.
“The Governor and his party, PDP should be warned to desist from any pan and action that may threaten the peace of the state”.
It further criticized the seven-day ultimatum reportedly issued by the Transparency Centre Network to the Federal Government, calling it a bullying tactic aimed at forcing a particular legal outcome.
“We will not be threatened or misled by individuals sponsored to derail governance at the grassroots,” the Coalition declared. “For every action, there will be a greater reaction—we are ready to mobilize in greater numbers to defend peace and the rule of law in Osun State.”
The group called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, the Attorney General of the Federation, and relevant agencies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, to disregard the “foul cries” from what it called PDP-sponsored actors.
Concluding, the Coalition reaffirmed its commitment to peace and the democratic process in Osun, stressing that only the Supreme Court has the power to alter the current legal status of elected local government officials in the state.