Osun PDP vs APC Crisis…see 5 major party power tussle that has claimed lives in Nigeria

The political violence witnessed between the People Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Osun State has accentuated the persistent pattern of deadly political rivalries among parties in the struggle for power and control. These conflicts have often resulted in loss of lives and disruption of peaceful co-existence among supporters.

The violence revolves around power control in fifteen (15) local government secretariats in Osun State following a Court of Appeal ruling which both PDP and APC  members interpreted in their terms as each tried to claim authority over the administrative centers.

Earlier, Ogun State governor Adeleke sacked the APC chairpersons elected in the areas in 2022, however, yesterday an appeal Court ruling sustained their election.

Following the verdict, the APC chairpersons returned to office jubilating over their victory but their joy was short-lived as they met with opposition countering their claims as the PDP-led teams stated that the court did not restore them to power.

The confrontation escalated a full-downtown crisis that resulted in the death of a former chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, Mr. Aderemi Abbas, and six others as shown in reports and videos making rounds on social media.

The Osun State crisis underscores the deep-seated animosity between the two major political parties in Nigeria.

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However, this isn’t the first occurrence of such mayhem in Nigeria, there are instances where party power tussles have led to fatalities in Nigeria.

Crispng has compiled an additional five (5) instances of this kind of occurrence in Nigeria.

The 2023 PDP/ APC clash

This happened during conducting of the Osun State governorship election, in February 2023. There was a clash between thugs from both parties in Ilesa which resulted in the death of an APC member, with both parties accusing each other of instigating the violence. According to Tribune online, a PDP who identified himself as Kolawole also revealed that two members of the party had been killed in Ilesha by the APC members and charged to concerned to arrest the perpetrators of the dastardly act. Just like history repeating itself in the state a in different fashion.

APC vs. PDP clash in Bauch State

Daily Trust reported in February 2023 that  Bauchi State witnessed a deadly confrontation between APC and PDP supporters during a gubernatorial campaign rally in Duguri, the hometown of Governor Bala Mohammed. The clash led to the death of one person and left 14 others injured. Both parties traded blame, each accusing the other of orchestrating the violence. The incident occurred shortly after a peace accord was signed by governorship candidates, underscoring the fragility of political truces in the region.

NNPP vs. APC clash in Kano State

Again in February 2023, there was a deadly clash between NNPP and APC supporters. As reported by the Guardian, Kano State became a battleground between supporters of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the APC. A violent clash along Zaria Road resulted in the deaths of four individuals, with many others sustaining injuries. The violence erupted during a rally for the NNPP presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso. Eyewitnesses reported that the clash was triggered by confrontations between rival party supporters, resulting in chaos and loss of life.

PDP vs. APC in Ekiti State

In June 2022, Ekiti State experienced political violence during the gubernatorial election poll. The tensions were exacerbated by allegations of electoral malpractice and intense competition between the parties. It was gathered that a PDP member was injured as the violence between the parties was rife. However, the issue was later settled by a Court ruling.

River State APC vs PDP

During the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State, the voting saw a of clashes between the APC and PDP supporters. There were recorded incidents of riot in the state as thugs invaded the polling area and stole ballot boxes. Electoral officers ran away for safety as bullets and confrontations became the order of the day. Former River State governor Nyesom Wike was widely seen as the Mastermind behind the rigging of votes and tension in the state.