The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has accused labour leaders of planning a violent protest in Osogbo over the ongoing dispute surrounding local government allocations.

In a statement issued by its Director of Media, Kola Olabisi, the party alleged that the Joint Labour Movement intended to target branches of a commercial bank in the state capital, with plans to disrupt operations and abduct some staff members during the protest scheduled for Tuesday.

The APC further claimed that the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees had been directed to mobilise workers across local government areas to participate in the action.

The party called on security agencies to monitor the situation closely and prevent any breakdown of law and order, warning against actions that could escalate tensions in the state.

However, the Joint Labour Movement, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and Joint Negotiating Council, dismissed the allegations as false and misleading.

In a joint statement signed by labour leaders Christopher Arapasopo, Abimbola Fasasi and Lekan Adediran, the unions confirmed plans to picket the bank but insisted the protest would be peaceful and lawful.

They described the APC’s claims as an attempt to misinform the public and intimidate workers, stressing that the planned action aligns with constitutionally guaranteed rights and international labour standards.

The labour groups also criticised the allegations of planned violence, stating that such claims were intended to create unnecessary tension and undermine their demands for fairness and due process.

The dispute is linked to the lingering crisis over control of local government administration in Osun State, which has pitted the APC against the state government since early 2025.

The conflict has previously turned violent, with several fatalities recorded during clashes between rival political groups. Legal battles over the matter are ongoing, while local government administration remains under the control of officials elected on the APC platform.