Fix Nigeria Before 2027 Politics, Osun Group Tells Tinubu

— Decries WAEC Darkness, LG Breakdown, Hospital Failures

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

A civic group, The Osun Masterminds, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend all political scheming ahead of the 2027 general elections and focus squarely on addressing Nigeria’s worsening socio-economic conditions, which it says are already pushing citizens to the brink.

In its monthly State of the State address for May, delivered in Osogbo, the group also issued strong words for the Osun State Government, describing the current state of local government administration as “paralyzed” and the general standard of public health institutions as “shameful and dangerous.”

Speaking at the briefing, the group’s Executive Director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, urged national and subnational leaders to place governance over political ambition, warning that the country’s worsening state could spark deeper unrest if not quickly addressed.

“We are deeply concerned that while Nigeria is groaning under the weight of inflation, insecurity, hunger, and economic hardship, political actors have already begun jostling for 2027,” Prof. Oyedokun-Alli said.

“This dangerous distraction from governance is unacceptable. The President must caution his appointees and political loyalists to refocus their energies on stabilizing the country rather than on future elections. 2027 can wait — Nigeria cannot.”

Students Wrote WAEC English Exam Without Electricity

The group expressed outrage over disturbing reports that some students sat for the English Language paper of the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in complete darkness due to widespread power outages and inadequate exam preparation by authorities.

Describing the incident as a “traumatic experience” and “academic injustice,” Oyedokun-Alli called for an outright cancellation and rescheduling of the paper.

“Those children didn’t write an English exam. They endured psychological torture. The government and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) must immediately reschedule the test to ensure fairness.”

Local Government Workers Not Showing Up Despite Receiving Salaries

Turning to developments in Osun State, The Osun Masterminds lamented the total breakdown of local government administration, accusing the state government and political actors of rendering the system ineffective through prolonged conflict and poor oversight.

Despite regular salary payments, the group claimed that many local government staff no longer resume at their offices, citing insecurity and administrative confusion.

“The situation in our local governments is scandalous. Political interference, insecurity, and fear of sabotage have made workers abandon their duty posts. Yet salaries are being paid without productivity. It is a silent collapse of governance.”

They also warned that the ongoing rivalry between the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to destabilize governance at the grassroots.

Doctors Allegedly Treat Patients Using Phone Torchlights

The group decried the deteriorating state of public healthcare, particularly highlighting Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUN-TH), which it claimed now functions without regular electricity and is severely short-staffed.

“We received firsthand reports that doctors use phone flashlights to treat patients at night. The lack of power supply in a tertiary hospital is not only a disgrace but a risk to lives. This cannot continue.”

They urged the state government to urgently address infrastructural and personnel shortages in the health sector, saying public hospitals are now feared rather than trusted by the poor.

Drug Abuse Becoming Rampant in Osun Tertiary Institutions

The Osun Masterminds raised concern over the rising abuse of drugs among students in Osun’s tertiary institutions. The group blamed poor enforcement, lack of awareness, and administrative neglect for the worsening trend.

“The rate of drug use is frightening. If nothing is done, we’ll be electing drug addicts into public offices soon. This problem requires an immediate statewide intervention and collaboration with institutions and security agencies.”

Group Calls for Better Monitoring of Road Projects and Agricultural Support

While commending Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration for ongoing road projects and youth empowerment initiatives, the group criticized the poor quality of some of the roads and demanded more oversight.

It also stated that while agriculture holds potential to uplift the state, it remains largely inaccessible to rural dwellers and young people due to funding gaps and political bottlenecks.

“We acknowledge the current administration’s efforts, but the delivery must be improved. Empowerment programs must be transparent, and agriculture must be made truly accessible — not just to cronies.”
Enda