Northern Groups Urge Tinubu To Maintain Neutrality

Three prominent northern advocacy groups have called on President Bola Tinubu to remain neutral in the ongoing controversy surrounding the local government chairmanship tenure in Osun State.

The groups—Arewa Youths for Peace and Security, Arewa Renaissance Movement, and Aladun Gargajiyanmu Movement—warned against any presidential interference that could disrupt the fragile peace in the state.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the spokesperson for the groups, Balarabe Ubandoma, emphasised that political disputes over control of elective offices are a natural part of democratic governance.

He noted that similar power struggles have occurred in Nigeria’s political history, citing the Second Republic when the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) fiercely contested against the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

“The sweetness of democracy is in the contest for elective positions. What is happening in Osun State is not unusual. No right-thinking governor would allow opposition parties to control local government councils, as these are the grassroots where votes truly count,” Ubandoma stated.

The groups particularly urged President Tinubu to refrain from taking sides, cautioning that doing so could inflame tensions in the state. They also called on the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to avoid actions that could escalate the situation.

“The President should maintain neutrality and call the Minister and the IGP to order. The matter is not a big issue if all tiers of government are allowed to operate independently,” Ubandoma added.

The northern groups commended Osun State governor Ademola Adeleke for taking steps to maintain peace, including instructing the newly elected local government chairmen under the the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to assume office to prevent potential chaos.

They also dismissed social media reports suggesting imminent danger in Osun State, describing them as baseless and the handiwork of detractors.

“All hands must be on deck to move Osun State forward. There is no crisis, only political maneuvering, which is common in democratic settings,” Ubandoma concluded.

The controversy over the local government elections in Osun State has continued to generate debate, with stakeholders closely watching how the federal government will handle the situation.