The Accord Party has criticised the federal government for withholding local government funds meant for Osun State.
The party described the action as unjust and harmful to grassroots governance.
Maxwell Mgbudem, the national chairman of Accord, made the call in a statement issued on Friday.
Disputed Osun LG Elections
In February 2025, the Osun State government conducted local government elections across its 30 councils.
However, the exercise triggered violence, legal disputes, and political tension.
Meanwhile, sacked APC chairpersons moved to reclaim their positions.
They relied on a court judgment to challenge the polls.
Legal Advice Ignored by State Government
Earlier, Lateef Fagbemi, the attorney-general of the federation, advised Governor Ademola Adeleke to halt the elections.
He argued that the Court of Appeal had overturned the ruling that removed the APC chairpersons.
Despite the warning, Adeleke went ahead with the polls.
Consequently, the APC and the Labour Party withdrew from the exercise.
Supreme Court Ruling and Fallout
Following the election, the APC urged the federal government to withhold council allocations.
The party claimed the process was unlawful.
In December, the Supreme Court dismissed a suit filed by the Osun attorney-general.
The court ruled that the AG lacked the authority to sue on behalf of the 30 LGAs.
However, the apex court faulted the Attorney-General of the Federation.
It held that withholding the funds amounted to contempt.
Accord Calls Withholding Illegal
Reacting, Mgbudem said the continued seizure of the funds was illegal and unacceptable.
According to him, the withheld amount stands at about ₦130 billion.
Moreover, he argued that denying councils their allocations cripples governance at the grassroots.
He also demanded that APC-backed chairpersons vacate council secretariats immediately.
“There is no justification for occupying LG offices under police protection,” the statement said.
Therefore, Mgbudem urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and restore democratic order in Osun State.
