SDP Accuses APC of Fresh Plot to Destabilise Osun Chapter, Denies Endorsement of APC Governorship Candidate

SDP Accuses APC of Fresh Plot to Destabilise Osun Chapter, Denies Endorsement of APC Governorship Candidate

Osogbo, Osun State – The Osun State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has dismissed as false and mischievous a purported letter circulating on social media claiming that the party had endorsed the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 15 August 2026 governorship election.

In a statement jointly signed by the State Chairman, Funso Timothy Fabiyi, and the State Secretary, Bolanle Abraham, the party described the publication as fake, misleading and the handiwork of individuals acting without the authority of the authentic leadership of the SDP in Osun State.

The party clarified that Apostle Rotimi Oride is only the Chairman of the SDP in Olorunda Local Government Area and not the State Chairman, contrary to the impression allegedly being created by what it described as mischief makers, treacherous elements within the party and their collaborators in the APC.

According to the statement, the Osun State Chapter of the SDP has neither adopted, endorsed nor ratified the candidature of any aspirant or candidate from any other political party for the forthcoming governorship election.

The party further alleged that, having failed in previous attempts to destabilise the SDP at the national level, the APC has now shifted its focus to Osun State by sponsoring false narratives and fabricated documents aimed at creating confusion within the party and misleading the electorate into believing that the SDP had declared support for the APC governorship candidate.

The SDP urged members of the public, party supporters and other stakeholders to disregard the purported endorsement letter, stressing that any official position of the party would only be communicated through its duly recognised leadership and authorised channels.

Reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, internal party democracy and the rule of law, the party called on the public to remain vigilant against misinformation and all acts capable of undermining the integrity of the electoral process.

In a related development, SDP governorship aspirant Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala also distanced himself from the purported letter, describing it as the personal action of an individual who lacks the authority to speak on behalf of the party.

Ajala maintained that the SDP has only one recognised leadership structure in Osun State under the chairmanship of Mr. Funso Timothy Fabiyi, with its official state secretariat located at the Old State Police SIB Complex, Ayetoro, Osogbo.

He urged members of the public and the media to direct all enquiries relating to the affairs of the SDP in Osun State to the State Secretariat, while warning against relying on unauthorised statements or documents circulated by individuals without the mandate of the party.

Federal Workers Forum Condemns ₦22.15bn Palace Projects, Demands ₦300,000 Living Wage

The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has strongly criticised the Federal Government over the reported allocation of ₦22.15 billion for the renovation and construction of palaces in the 2026 budget, describing the expenditure as insensitive and misplaced at a time when millions of Nigerians are battling severe economic hardship.

In a statement jointly signed by the Coordinator of the Forum, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, and the General Secretary, Comrade Ogundele Ayo, the organisation said the allocation demonstrates a disturbing disconnect between government priorities and the daily realities faced by ordinary Nigerians, particularly federal workers whose wages have been severely eroded by inflation.

According to the Forum, many workers can barely afford basic necessities, including food, transportation, healthcare, housing, and education, making it morally indefensible to commit billions of naira to palace renovation and construction.

The Forum also expressed concern over reports alleging that about ₦8 trillion was omitted from the 2026 budget, although the Federal Government has denied the allegation. It argued that the controversy reinforces the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public finances.

The workers' group further questioned the practice of using public institutions, ministries, agencies, and research establishments to finance projects outside their statutory mandates. It specifically cited institutions such as the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research and the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, asking Nigerians to demand explanations for why such establishments are reportedly linked to funding palace projects.

According to the Forum, these budgetary practices raise serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and the prudent utilisation of public resources.

The organisation called on the Federal Government to immediately publish comprehensive details of the allocations, conduct a transparent review of all questionable budgetary provisions, and end what it described as the reckless diversion and misuse of public funds.

The Forum also renewed its demand for the implementation of a ₦300,000 living wage for Nigerian workers, insisting that no worker who dedicates their strength, knowledge, and service to the nation should be condemned to poverty while public resources are expended on projects that do little to improve citizens' living conditions.

It urged federal workers, trade unions, students, youth groups, civil society organisations, and other patriotic Nigerians to unite in demanding accountability, responsible management of public resources, and policies that prioritise the welfare of workers and the masses over the comfort of the political elite.

"The wealth of Nigeria must be used to guarantee decent wages, quality healthcare, affordable education, reliable infrastructure, and social protection—not to fund extravagant projects that deepen public distrust and economic inequality," the statement said.

The Forum concluded by reiterating that public resources belong to the Nigerian people and should be managed in a manner that promotes national development, social justice, and the welfare of all citizens.