The National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Illiya Damagun, has cautioned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against any attempt to seize control of Osun State by imposing a state of emergency.
Speaking during a media chat, Damagun urged the federal government to stop exerting pressure on the Osun State government and allow Governor Ademola Adeleke to focus on delivering democratic dividends to the people. He also condemned the escalating violence in several local government areas.
Damagun accused the APC of attempting to destabilize Osun as part of its broader political strategy, citing an earlier statement by an APC leader who boasted about plans to take over Osun and Oyo States.
“Nigeria is not a banana republic; there is a limit to what the people can tolerate,” Damagun warned.
His remarks were included in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by his personal assistant, Nuru Shehu Jos.
Damagun criticized the federal government’s interference in Osun’s political affairs, urging it to prioritize fixing Nigeria’s struggling economy rather than attempting to unlawfully capture more states.
He lamented the rising cost of living, stating that citizens are facing economic hardship under the APC-led government.
“Today, many Nigerians can no longer afford basic necessities, and insecurity has engulfed the nation under the APC administration,” he said.
According to him, rather than resorting to anti-democratic tactics, the APC should acknowledge that Nigerians have rejected their leadership.
“No one should even consider using a state of emergency as a tool to suppress opposition,” Damagun stressed.
He further stated:
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. There should be no room for intimidation. The people of Osun State deserve security and good governance, which the PDP government is currently providing under Governor Adeleke.
Records indicate that the people are satisfied with his leadership.”
Damagun also warned against continued threats to democracy, emphasizing that Nigerians will not tolerate attempts to undermine their rights.
“We are not at war. We are simply taxpaying citizens who demand good governance,” he added.
The PDP Chairman also called on security agencies to maintain neutrality and act professionally in carrying out their duties.
“Security personnel must remember that they are funded by taxpayers’ money and should serve all citizens without bias,” he said.
Damagun urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, warning that the APC’s tactics will not go unchecked.
“As the leading opposition party, we will continue to use legal means to challenge injustices against our party and members,” he declared.
He assured that under his leadership, the PDP will remain united, with internal mechanisms in place to resolve disputes.
“The PDP is stronger than any individual or group and will always remain the party to beat,” Damagun stated.
Encouraging Osun residents to stay loyal to the PDP, he reaffirmed that the party nationwide would continue to support Governor Adeleke’s administration in its urban and rural development efforts.