The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has issued a stern warning to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to cease what it described as a "barrage of insults" directed at President Bola Tinubu following his recent hosting of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
In a statement released on Thursday in Osogbo by the Osun PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi, the party characterized the APC's reactions as "unbecoming and disgraceful" while accusing the opposition of lacking basic understanding of governance and intergovernmental relations in a democratic setting.
"The vitriolic outbursts from APC stalwarts since President Tinubu welcomed Governor Adeleke at his Lagos residence show a total disregard for decorum and an alarming ignorance of democratic principles," the statement read. "Such conduct is beneath the proud Yoruba tradition of mutual respect and civility."
Bisi emphasized that Governor Adeleke will continue to engage all democratic avenues, including discussions with the President when necessary, to secure meaningful development for the people of Osun who elected him as their Governor.
Pattern of Disrespect
The PDP chairman pointed out that the APC has established a pattern of showing disrespect to government officials. He cited similar outbursts during visits by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, ranking member of the House of Representatives Ado Doguwa, and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, who all "faced unprovoked insults from Osun APC elements simply for acknowledging the Governor's developmental strides."
Drawing a historical parallel, Bisi recalled how former Osun Governor, Chief Bisi Akande, despite party differences, hosted then President Olusegun Obasanjo for three days prior to the 2003 general elections. During that visit, Chief Akande and President Obasanjo engaged in joint project commissioning and dialogue for the state's benefit.
"That's how real governance works. Perhaps today's APC chronic minnows should seek wisdom from respected leaders like Baba Bisi Akande on the true meaning of leadership and statesmanship," he noted.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy stems from Governor Adeleke's visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on Tuesday, accompanied by his elder brother Deji Adeleke and David Adeleke. In response to this visit, the Osun APC, speaking through former Osun Assembly Speaker Timothy Owoeye, stated that Governor Adeleke was not welcomed in the party and affirmed that the governorship ticket is not available for sale to Governor Adeleke or his family.
The Osun PDP has urged the APC to rise above petty politics and focus on constructive engagement for the people's welfare, while praising Governor Adeleke for maintaining a firm focus on peace, progress, and purposeful dialogue.
