‘Poisoned Gift’ — Osun Warns Police Against Accepting Vehicles from APC Chairmen

The Osun State Government has cautioned the Nigeria Police Force against accepting vehicles from local government chairmen elected under the All Progressives Congress, describing the planned donation as a dangerous move with hidden motives.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday in Osogbo, the government said the offer of vehicles was a “poisoned gift with malicious, mischievous, and harmful intentions.”

It warned that accepting such donations could damage the credibility and neutrality of the police.

The statement was signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, who insisted that those currently controlling the local government councils do not have a legitimate mandate.

According to him, the individuals parading themselves as council chairmen under the APC lack legal backing, as the dispute over their tenure is still before the courts. He stressed that any attempt by such officials to support security agencies could send the wrong signal to the public.

This comes after the Osun APC announced plans for its council chairmen to donate operational vehicles to the police to boost security efforts across the state. The party, through its spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, defended the move and criticised the state government for opposing it.

The APC maintained that security should not be politicised. It argued that providing logistics and operational support to the police is necessary to tackle rising security challenges and protect lives and property.

But the state government disagreed. It accused the opposition party of dragging security matters into politics. It warned that accepting such donations could compromise the integrity of the police and create the impression of bias.

The government also pointed out that the legal battle over the control of local government councils is yet to be resolved. Court rulings on the matter are expected on May 12 and May 21, 2026.

It urged the Commissioner of Police in the state to remain neutral and avoid actions that could undermine public trust in the force. It also called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to step in and direct officers in the state to reject the vehicles until the courts give a final verdict.

The crisis over local government administration in Osun has lingered for months. It stems from rival claims between chairmen elected during the February 22, 2025 polls conducted under Governor Ademola Adeleke and those elected on October 15, 2022, during the tenure of former governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

Although APC-backed chairmen are currently in control of the councils, the matter remains in court, with both sides seeking legal recognition.