Osun Security Row Deepens: APC Blasts Adeleke, Accord Over ‘Politicisation’ Claims and Police Vehicle Controversy

War of words erupts as parties clash over council donations, legality, and alleged misuse of public funds

A fresh political storm has erupted in Osun State, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) accusing Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Accord Party of politicising security amid a deepening dispute over support for law enforcement.

The opposition party, in a statement signed by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, insisted that safeguarding lives and property must remain a non-partisan responsibility, warning against what it described as unnecessary political interference.

Dispute over police vehicle donations

At the centre of the controversy is the donation of operational vehicles to the police by local government chairmen aligned with the APC.

The party defended the move, arguing that the council executives—whom it described as legally reinstated—acted within their mandate to strengthen security operations across the state.

APC dismissed criticisms of the initiative as baseless.

“It is surprising that a ruling party would condemn efforts aimed at strengthening security operations in the state,” Olabisi said.

The party further described the backlash as “frivolous and ill-motivated,” maintaining that the donations were designed to improve policing capacity and protect residents.

Accord raises alarm over ‘illegal funds’

However, the Accord Party has taken a sharply different position, warning the police against accepting the vehicles.

In a statement issued by its chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, the party alleged that the donations were linked to misappropriated local government funds and could expose the police to legal risks.

Accord also claimed that the council officials behind the donations had been sacked by the courts and accused them of diverting public funds to finance the gesture.

The party urged the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the Inspector-General of Police, to reject the vehicles and avoid what it described as an attempt to compromise the integrity of the force.

Legal battle and political undertones

The APC, however, maintained that the council chairmen remain legitimate office holders pending the conclusion of ongoing legal proceedings, including cases before the Supreme Court.

It also suggested that the criticism from Accord reflects deeper political tensions, claiming it exposes perceived shortcomings in the current administration’s governance priorities.

“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.

Calls for unity amid rising tension

As the war of words intensifies, the APC called on political actors to avoid turning security into a battleground for partisan disputes, stressing that collaboration remains essential in tackling crime.

With allegations of illegality, ongoing court cases, and competing narratives over authority, the unfolding dispute underscores the fragile intersection of politics, governance, and security in Osun State.