The Osun State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has warned Umar Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to avoid making divisive remarks that could incite political unrest in the Southwest.
This warning follows Ganduje’s statement in Akure, Ondo State, on Sunday, where he expressed confidence in the APC’s chances of winning future elections in Oyo and Osun states after the party’s victory in the Ondo governorship election.
In a statement released on Monday in Osogbo, Osun NNPP chairman Tosin Odeyemi described Ganduje’s remarks as reckless and insensitive, given the economic hardships Nigerians are enduring under the APC-led administration.
“Ganduje’s comments are unbecoming of an elder statesman. Instead of boasting about electoral victories, he should address the pressing challenges Nigerians face under his party’s leadership. Osun voters are discerning and peace-loving, and 2026 must be a crisis-free election year,” Odeyemi said.
Call for Peace and Responsibility
Odeyemi further criticized Ganduje for not respecting voters’ rights to make free choices. He cautioned against turning the Southwest into a political battleground, emphasizing the potential consequences of provocative statements.
“Words carry weight, and political leaders should focus on fostering peace and stability. Let voters decide freely without coercion or undue influence,” he added.
The NNPP chairman also challenged Ganduje to test his party’s popularity in his home state, claiming the APC had previously been decisively defeated by the NNPP in local contests there.
This development underscores rising political tensions as the country prepares for upcoming elections, with calls for leaders to prioritize unity and democratic principles.
