Osun: Atiku’s Aide Accuses APC of Attempting to Undermine Democracy

A Senior Political Assistant to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Demola Olarewaju, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to undermine the democratic process during the recently concluded Osun State governorship election.

Olarewaju alleged that APC members mounted what he described as a siege on the state in the weeks leading up to the election, accusing them of harassing political figures, attacking residents and damaging government infrastructure in an alleged effort to weaken the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

In a post on X, the political aide described the alleged actions as an attempt to “rape democracy”, claiming that the opposition ultimately failed to overturn the decision of Osun voters.

He said the outcome of the election should serve as a warning ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that Nigerians would similarly reject the ruling party if, according to him, the alleged pattern of political conduct continued.

Olarewaju further alleged that there was an attempt to cripple the Osun State Government financially through the freezing of its bank accounts before the election.

He also suggested that an unnamed APC governor may have provided intelligence to Governor Adeleke’s camp concerning activities involving APC chieftains during the election period. However, he acknowledged that he had no evidence to substantiate that particular claim.

The Atiku aide also argued that defeating the APC politically would require intelligence and support from within the ruling party, pointing to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its links with former officials of the Muhammadu Buhari administration as an example of how such political networks could influence electoral contests.

His comments come against the backdrop of the closely watched Osun governorship election, which has continued to generate political reactions from across the country’s major parties.

The allegations by Olarewaju remain claims by the Atiku camp and have not, in the report, been independently established.