Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN
By John Dike Osogbo
A recent survey has revealed mounting frustration among residents of Osun State over the continued withholding of local government allocations, with the Federal Government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) receiving the bulk of the blame.
The survey, conducted by Geopolitical Survey International (GSI) between August 1 and 5, 2025, sampled 10,000 respondents across nine federal constituencies in the state. The findings paint a stark picture of public sentiment, particularly among women, and suggest deepening political consequences for the APC.
According to GSI’s report, 86% of respondents blamed the Federal Government for the prolonged seizure of funds, which many described as illegal, unconstitutional, and harmful to grassroots development. Only 11% blamed the Osun State Government, while 3% were undecided.
The survey population was composed of 60% women and 40% men, drawn from communities including Osogbo, Ile Ife, Iwo, Ikirun, Ejigbo, Ikire, Ede, Ilesa, Odeomu, Ilobu, Ila Orangun, Iragbiji, Esa Oke, Ipetumodu, and Kuta.
Women were reported as being the most affected by the crisis, with 84% of respondents identifying women as bearing the brunt of the hardship. Only 10% said men were most impacted, while 6% were undecided.
Political Fallout for APC
The survey results also pointed to significant political ramifications. A striking 87% of respondents vowed not to support the APC in future elections, citing anger over the fund seizure.
Meanwhile, 85% expressed support for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), if elections were held today. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) garnered just 2% support.
Dr. Adeyemo Adeyefa, lead consultant for GSI, said the findings signal a major shift in public opinion:
“There is strong grassroots support for the Osun State Government in its standoff with the Federal Government. The data clearly shows growing anger among residents—especially women—toward the APC.”
He noted that the allocation crisis has eroded the APC’s popularity and contributed to a significant rise in support for the PDP, which increased from 65% three months ago to nearly 85% in August.
“The APC’s approach appears to have backfired. What was meant to exert pressure on the Osun State Government has instead strengthened its support base,” Adeyefa added.
This survey marks GSI’s fifth poll in Osun State since January 2025. The organization says it plans to further refine its methodology in future research efforts.
