Busy Osun State motor park with minibusses and motorcycles

In a statement released on September 21, 2026, the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) categorically denied the allegation made by the state chapter of Accord that it was working with National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) leader Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, to forcefully take over motor parks across the state. The Osun APC’s rebuttal forms the core of what has become a heated Osun APC motor park dispute, drawing attention from political observers across Nigeria and the wider African continent.

Background to the Osun APC motor park dispute

Accord’s claim emerged amid growing tensions between the ruling APC in Osun and several transport unions that have historically wielded significant influence in the state’s political landscape. The union’s alleged involvement in motor park management has often been a flashpoint, especially during election cycles when control of transport hubs can translate into voter mobilisation power.

According to the Accord statement, the APC allegedly conspired with MC Oluomo to “forcefully occupy” motor parks, a move they described as violent and illegal. The accusation was framed as part of a broader narrative that the APC was using intimidation tactics to secure its political dominance ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial primaries.

Osun APC’s official response

The APC’s response, issued through its spokesperson, rejected the claim in unequivocal terms. It asserted that the party had no partnership with MC Oluomo or any other NURTW official to seize motor parks. The statement emphasized that the APC remains committed to lawful political engagement and that any attempt to link the party to violent actions is “baseless and designed to tarnish the party’s image.”

Furthermore, the APC highlighted its recent initiatives aimed at improving transport infrastructure in Osun, including the refurbishment of several motor parks in collaboration with the state government and private investors. These projects, the party noted, are part of a broader agenda to boost economic activity and create jobs for the youth.

Implications for Osun politics

The dispute arrives at a critical juncture for Osun politics. The state, known for its vibrant civil society and active youth electorate, is gearing up for the 2027 electoral cycle. Both the APC and Accord are positioning themselves to capture the narrative, with each side seeking to appeal to transport workers, commuters, and the broader public.

For the APC, maintaining a clean image is essential, especially as the party seeks to retain its foothold in a state that has swung between parties in recent elections. Accord, on the other hand, aims to portray the APC as a party that resorts to intimidation, hoping to sway undecided voters and rally union support.

Role of NURTW and MC Oluomo

MC Oluomo, the charismatic NURTW leader, has long been a polarising figure in Nigerian politics. His influence over transport unions gives him considerable sway over commuter traffic and, by extension, political mobilisation. While he has previously been linked to political campaigns, there is no concrete evidence presented in the current dispute that he has entered into a formal agreement with the Osun APC.

Legal experts note that any alleged “takeover” of motor parks would require compliance with state regulations governing land use and commercial operations. If proven, such an act could expose both the party and the union to legal challenges, potentially involving the Osun State Ministry of Works and the Federal Ministry of Transport.

Public reaction and media coverage

Social media users in Osun and across Nigeria have taken to platforms like Twitter and Facebook to voice their opinions. Hashtags such as #OsunAPCDispute and #MotorParkTakeover have trended, with many calling for a transparent investigation. Local journalists have reported mixed reactions, with some urging the state government to intervene, while others caution against politicising transport issues.

Regional outlets in Ghana, South Africa, and Kenya have also picked up the story, noting the broader trend of political parties leveraging transport unions for electoral advantage. This cross‑border interest underscores how transport politics in Nigeria can resonate with similar dynamics elsewhere on the continent.

What the law says

Nigerian law stipulates that motor parks are public assets managed by state governments or authorised private operators. The Land Use Act of 1978, as amended, requires any transfer of control to be documented and approved by the relevant authority. Moreover, the NURTW, while recognised as a union, does not have statutory power to commandeer motor parks without due process.

Should evidence emerge of illegal occupation, the matter could be escalated to the Osun State High Court, where judges would examine the legality of any agreements between political parties and union leaders. The legal route, however, remains a lengthy process, and political actors often prefer to settle disputes through negotiation or public statements, as seen in this case.

Looking ahead to 2027

As the 2027 electoral calendar looms, the Osun APC motor park dispute is likely to remain a talking point in political debates, campaign rallies, and policy discussions. Both parties are expected to sharpen their messaging, with the APC focusing on development achievements and Accord highlighting alleged misconduct.

Stakeholders, including transport workers, commuters, and civil society groups, will be watching closely to see whether the controversy leads to concrete reforms in motor park management or merely fades into the background as election season intensifies.

FAQ

  • What exactly did Accord accuse the APC of? Accord claimed the Osun APC colluded with NURTW leader MC Oluomo to forcefully take over motor parks across the state, describing the alleged actions as violent and illegal.
  • How did the Osun APC respond? The party issued a statement denying any partnership with MC Oluomo or involvement in motor park seizures, calling the allegations baseless and harmful to its reputation.
  • Could the dispute affect the 2027 elections? Yes. The controversy may influence voter perception, especially among transport workers and commuters, and could become a focal point in campaign narratives for both the APC and Accord.

For the full Accord statement and the Osun APC’s rebuttal, see the original report on Daily Post Nigeria.

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