The National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Ambassador Umar Illiya Damagun, has called on the All Progressives Congress federal government to abandon any plans to impose a state of emergency in Osun State.
In a media chat, Damagun specifically urged the APC government to refrain from exerting further pressure on the Osun State government and to allow Governor Ademola Adeleke to focus on delivering the benefits of democracy to the people. He also expressed concern over the bloodshed occurring across several local government areas in the state.
Damagun linked the current unrest to an APC strategy to reignite threats, referencing comments from an APC leader who previously claimed the party would take control of Osun State and Oyo. He cautioned that Nigeria is not a “banana republic” and warned against pushing citizens to their limits.
His remarks were issued in a statement by his personal assistant, Nuru Shehu Jos, on Thursday in Abuja. Damagun also advised the federal government to focus on addressing the nation’s economic challenges instead of meddling in the political affairs of Osun State.
He highlighted the soaring cost of living, emphasizing that Nigerians are struggling to afford basic necessities and that insecurity has worsened under the APC administration. Damagun stressed that the priority for the government should be fixing Nigeria’s economy, not attempting to unlawfully capture more states. He noted that Nigerians have rejected the APC government and warned against using a state of emergency to suppress the opposition.
The PDP chairman further emphasized that Nigeria belongs to all citizens and that there should be no room for intimidation. He urged the APC government to recognize that the people of Osun State deserve security and good governance, which he believes are being provided by the PDP-led administration under Governor Adeleke.
Damagun issued a stern warning to those undermining democracy, stating that continued efforts to destabilize the country would not go unchecked. He reiterated that Nigerians are not at war and deserve good governance as taxpayers.
Additionally, he called on security agencies to remain non-partisan and objective in their duties, reminding them that they are funded by taxpayers’ money and must protect all citizens equally. Damagun urged citizens to stay vigilant and reject the tactics of the APC.
As the leading opposition party, the PDP chairman assured that the party would continue to voice its concerns and challenge injustices through lawful means. He emphasized the party’s commitment to the rule of law, declaring that the PDP is stronger than any individual or group.
Damagun also reassured Nigerians and PDP members that under his leadership, the party would not allow internal divisions to weaken it. He acknowledged that political parties sometimes experience disputes, but emphasized that the PDP’s internal mechanisms for resolving challenges would ensure its continued strength.
He encouraged the citizens of Osun State to remain loyal to the PDP and to support Governor Adeleke in his development efforts across both urban and rural areas. Damagun assured that the PDP nationwide would continue to show solidarity and support for both Governor Adeleke and the party.
The PDP acting National Chairman cautioned, saying, “Nigeria is not a banana republic; there is a limit to what the citizens can tolerate.”
He added: “Today, people can no longer afford to feed, and insecurity has engulfed Nigeria under the APC government.”
According to him: “Fixing Nigeria should be the government’s priority, not unlawfully capturing more states.
“It is clear that the people have rejected the APC government in Nigeria, so no one should contemplate using a state of emergency to suppress the opposition.”
Damagun emphasised: “Let it be clear that Nigeria belongs to all of us. There should be no room for any form of intimidation.”
“The APC government must understand that the citizens of Osun State deserve security and good governance, which are currently being provided by the PDP government. Records show that the people are happy with Governor Adeleke.
“I want to warn those attempting to undermine democracy to be aware of the consequences of their continued plots. They cannot keep pushing Nigerians to the wall. This is unacceptable! We are not at war; we are simply taxpayers who deserve good governance.”
He continued, “Security personnel must remember that they are being paid with taxpayers’ money. They must protect all citizens and refuse to take sides.
“We call on all citizens to remain vigilant and wary of the APC’s tactics, as these will not continue unchecked. The APC government must understand that the people have rights, and they are willing to exercise them at any time.
“As the leading opposition party, we will continue to use lawful means to voice our concerns and protest injustices against our party and members.”
Damagun assured the media: “The PDP believes in the rule of law. It is a party stronger than any individual or group.”
Going forward, he assured Nigerians and PDP members that, under his leadership, the party would not allow anyone to create divisions within its ranks.
“It is natural for political parties to experience internal disputes, but the beauty of the PDP is its internal mechanisms for resolving challenges. The PDP will always remain the party to beat. There is no cause for alarm.”
