The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Secretary to the State Government, and Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, of orchestrating threats against its executive members.
CUPP stated this on Wednesday, during a press conference held in Abeokuta, claiming that its demands for transparency in the Ogun State government’s housing projects had sparked intimidation tactics, including calls for its members to appear before the Department of State Services (DSS) under conflicting pretenses.
PLATFORM TIMES had reported that the coalition had given the state government a Seven-Day ultimatum to disclose the beneficiaries of its housing scheme and contracts since it’s inception.
The coalition had pointed to alleged irregularities in the state’s housing project awards, which it claims were executed without open bidding or adherence to due process.
It also demanded the Ogun State government release information about these projects under the Freedom of Information Act.
Speaking on Wednesday during the press conference, the state Chairman of CUPP, Otunba (Dr) Femi Sholuade said the ultimatum has lapsed, threatening that the coalition would head to court .
CUPP Chairman alongside the Secretary, Engr. Samson Okusanya, highlighted the imminent threats against members such as Alhaji Moshood Adesina, Comrade Ashade Michael, and Chief Sola Coker.
“We have been trailed by vehicles with covered plates and intimidated by road union leaders allegedly loyal to the governor. These developments point to an orchestrated effort to silence our voices,” the statement reads.
“The lives of CUPP members, including myself, Engr. Samson Okusanya, Alh. Moshood Adesina, Comrade Ashade Michael, and Chief Sola Coker, are under imminent threat due to our demand for transparency and accountability in the Ogun State government’s housing projects.
“These projects, awarded to construction companies without open bidding and due process, have raised concerns about governance and the misuse of state resources.
“These threats have escalated to include intimidation by officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Ogun State.
“On January 20, 2025, a DSS officer by the name of Emmanuel Abua called Alh. Moshood Adesina, informing him that all CUPP officers must report on January 24, 2025, for a routine interaction with the Ogun State DSS Director.
However, on January 21, 2025, another DSS official, Kunle Dealer, contacted me, as the State Chairman of CUPP, directing all CUPP officers involved in a recent press conference to report to the DSS office, based on a petition from the Ogun State government.
“The conflicting messages from the same organization raise suspicions that Governor Dapo Abiodun is targeting us with the intention to harm our lives and those of our families.
“We now live in constant fear of potential assassination, especially given the involvement of powerful and ruthless road union leaders loyal to the Governor, who are capable of carrying out violent orders.”
CUPP further expressed concerns about the dominance of Ogun East in the state’s administration, sidelining other regions, particularly Ogun Central, from key developmental initiatives.
It also condemned the appointment of an Ondo State indigene as the governor’s Special Adviser on Information and Media, describing it as an affront to Ogun State professionals.
“Instead of addressing these issues, the governor has chosen to target us through threats and harassment,” the coalition added.
The statement also touched on internal All Progressives Congress (APC) disputes, distancing itself from party infighting while reiterating its commitment to public accountability.
It warned that any harm to its members would be attributed directly to Governor Abiodun and his administration.
CUPP called on President Tinubu to intervene urgently, emphasizing its resolve to uphold transparency despite the alleged witch-hunt.
Efforts to reach Governor Abiodun’s media team for a response were unsuccessful as of press time.
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