Osun NNPP Warns Ganduje Against Inciting Political Tension in Southwest
The Osun State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has issued a stern warning to Umar Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following his recent comments that the Southwest would be a stronghold for the APC in future elections. The party cautioned Ganduje against turning the region into a “war zone” with his provocative remarks.
Ganduje’s comments, made during a visit to Akure, Ondo State, on Sunday, followed the declaration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the winner of the Ondo State governorship election. The APC chairman expressed confidence that his party would secure victories in Oyo and Osun states in future elections, a statement that was met with backlash from the NNPP in Osun.
Tosin Odeyemi, the Osun NNPP chairman, criticized Ganduje’s remarks as reckless and unbecoming of an elder statesman, especially in the context of Nigeria’s current economic challenges. In a statement released on Monday in Osogbo, Odeyemi expressed disbelief that Ganduje would make such a statement amid the ongoing hardships Nigerians face under the APC-led government.
“Ganduje should have shown better communication skills, given the economic struggles the people of Nigeria are enduring. Who would willingly vote for the APC under these conditions? He should not be carried away by what happened in Ondo State,” Odeyemi said.
The NNPP leader also emphasized the peace-loving nature of the people of Osun, stressing that political parties should allow voters to make free choices without inciting violence or division. He warned that Ganduje’s words carried weight and could escalate tensions in the region, particularly ahead of the 2026 elections in Osun.
“Osun people are wise and peace-loving. We expect a crisis-free election in 2026. Ganduje must not turn the Southwest into a war zone with such reckless statements,” Odeyemi added.
Additionally, Odeyemi challenged Ganduje to prove APC’s popularity by contesting in his own state, Kano, where the NNPP had previously defeated the APC in a significant election victory.
The NNPP’s statement has sparked ongoing debate in the region, with many questioning the potential impact of Ganduje’s remarks on the political climate in Southwest Nigeria.
