Damagum, PDP govs back Adeleke, seek Tinubu’s intervention in Osun LG debacle

The acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagun, Thursday, called on the citizens of Osun state to remain firm and loyal to the PDP.

He also called on the people to support Governor Ademola Adeleke to enable him continue his development of both the urban and rural towns and villages.

Damagum in a statement made available in Abuja by his personal assistant, Nuru Shehu Jos, called on the APC government to immediately  stop putting further pressure on the incumbent Osun state government and allow Governor Adeleke focus on governance.

The acting chairman also warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against any form of intimidation arising from the crisis even as he  further cautioned the ruling party from imposing a state of emergency in the state.

He said, “Let it be clear that Nigeria belongs to all of us. There shouldn’t be room for any intimidation of any kind.” 

He made the statement against the backdrop of recent political violence that erupted over who is legally qualified to occupy seats in the local government councils.

Also, the governors elected under the PDP have declared their support for Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state amid the ongoing local government leadership crisis in the state.

The crisis stems from last year’s dismissal of Osun State local government chairmen and councillors by the Federal High Court in Osogbo, followed by their reinstatement by the Court of Appeal in Akure.

In a statement released by Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, the governors condemned the violence and highlighted Adeleke’s earlier warnings of potential unrest.

The statement read, “The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum notes with deep concern the recent political violence in Osun State, which led to the loss of lives and the destruction of property.

“The concern of the PDPGF stems from the fact that the Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Ademola Adeleke had warned about the imminent breakdown of law and order and appealed to the responsible authorities to act to forestall this.”