The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised the leadership of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the state and Arise Television anchor Dr Reuben Abati, accusing both of partisanship over the ongoing local government allocation dispute.
In a statement on Monday signed by Chairman Tajudeen Lawal, the APC alleged that NULGE President Dr Nathaniel Ogungbangbe is collaborating with Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration to block the release of federal allocations meant for local councils.
The party condemned NULGE’s recent warning to federal authorities not to release the withheld funds, calling it “an unpatriotic move that only prolongs the suffering of the people.”
“It is now crystal clear that the NULGE leadership is working hand in glove with Governor Adeleke to deny Osun people access to their constitutionally guaranteed funds,” the statement said, accusing the union of becoming a partisan tool for the PDP.
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The APC also accused NULGE of political bias in maintaining a seven-month strike by council workers, claiming the union under Ogungbangbe “is more political than labour-oriented.”
Reiterating its stance, the APC stated that council chairmen and councillors elected under the Adegboyega Oyetola administration, and reinstated by the Court of Appeal on February 10, 2025, remain the valid officeholders, rejecting the PDP’s position on the February 22, 2025 local elections.
The party urged the Federal Government to disregard NULGE’s warnings and release the funds in line with the February 10 judgement.
In a separate statement, APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi criticised Dr Reuben Abati for his commentary on the issue, accusing him of “flagrant partisanship” and misrepresenting the legal facts, particularly by relying on a June 13 Court of Appeal ruling instead of the binding February 10 decision.
“Why didn’t Abati question Governor Adeleke’s refusal to approach the Supreme Court if he believed the February 10 ruling was flawed? Instead, he acted as judge and jury on national television,” the statement questioned.
The APC described the positions of both NULGE and Abati as misleading and partisan, emphasising that Osun people should not suffer due to political manoeuvring while constitutionally approved funds remain withheld.
