Osun PDP Demands Probe Into Suspected Judicial Interference

The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, demanding an investigation into a suspicious letter allegedly connected to the court’s handling of the local‑government funds crisis in the state. The letter, dated 2 September 2025, asks that a vacation judge continue hearing a case substantively beyond the court’s vacation period. It was signed by an unknown individual on behalf of the Chief Judge rather than by the judge themselves, raising concerns about judicial impropriety.

This development occurs amid an ongoing legal tussle between the Osun State Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over the disbursement of local‑government allocations. The state government has sued the CBN and the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), alleging that they are plotting to divert funds meant for local governments into private accounts. According to the government, such actions would constitute a gross violation of public‑finance regulations and the Nigerian Constitution.

The dispute stems from conflicting court rulings on the legitimacy of the October 2022 local‑government elections, which have pitted elected officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against those of the PDP. The Osun State Government argues that the CBN and AGF intend to pay local‑government allocations into private accounts operated by individuals impersonating government officials, bypassing the designated accounting officers. This, the government claims, would undermine pending Supreme Court actions concerning the administration of local‑government funds in Osun State.

On 8 September, the Federal High Court heard the state’s suit, with Justice Emeka Nwite presiding. The parties presented their appearances, and a ruling is awaited. The PDP has described the situation as “a bizarre and unprecedented abuse of judicial process,” emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the case.

The investigation into the suspicious letter and the court’s eventual decision will have significant implications for the administration of local‑government funds in Osun State and across the country. Transparency and accountability of both the judiciary and government institutions are crucial, and the public awaits the outcome of the investigation and the court’s ruling.