The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party on Monday dismissed allegations by the All Progressives Congress that the state government was sponsoring protests at branches of United Bank for Africa, describing the claim as reckless, unfounded and politically motivated.

In a statement issued in Osogbo, the party said the opposition was spreading panic and propaganda in a failed bid to distract the public and drag financial institutions into partisan controversy.

The PDP said there was no plan or authorisation by the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke to sponsor any protest at any banking facility across the state, adding that claims about “fake pensioners” were insulting to elderly citizens who served the state meritoriously.

The party accused the opposition of acting as an unofficial spokesperson for the bank, questioning why a political party would issue alarmist statements on behalf of a corporate institution with its own management and communication channels.

According to the statement, the allegation was a pre-emptive move aimed at creating unnecessary tension and drawing security agencies into partisan narratives over what it called an imaginary breakdown of law and order.

The PDP further alleged that the opposition, burdened by its past record in local council administration and handling of public funds, was attempting to divert attention through what it termed fabricated stories and fear messaging.

It maintained that the state government has sustained peace and stability despite provocations, noting that workers and retirees are receiving payments and governance activities are proceeding without disruption across Osun State.

The statement, signed by the state chairman of the party, Hon. Sunday Bisi, urged residents to disregard what it described as panic alerts and political scare tactics, insisting that no amount of propaganda would distort public records or derail governance.