In a significant political development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming local government election in Osun State, originally scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025.
This decision comes amidst escalating tensions and legal disputes between the APC and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
The political landscape in Osun State has been fraught with contention following the Court of Appeal’s judgment on February 10, 2025, which reinstated APC chairmen and councillors who had been previously sacked.
This ruling contradicted an earlier judgment by the Federal High Court in Osogbo, leading to confusion over the legitimate leadership of the local councils.
In response to the appellate court’s decision, the reinstated APC officials attempted to resume duties, resulting in violent clashes that reportedly claimed six lives, including that of Remi Abass, the APC Chairman of Irewole Local Government Area.
The letter read: “Recall that the judgment of the Federal High Court in suit No. FHF/OS/CS/94/2022 was meritoriously nullified on February 10 by the Court of Appeal in Akure, in appeal No. CA/AK/270/2022 between APC and three others v. Peoples Democratic Party and others.”
“By the judgment, the elected officers have resumed office as allowed by the Appeal Court. The implication of the Court of Appeal judgment, as cited above, is that the seats are no longer vacant.”
“In view of the foregoing, we hereby state that the APC and all its candidates have, by this letter, informed the commission of our withdrawal from the local government election scheduled for February 22.”
Citing concerns over the legitimacy and timing of the proposed local government elections, the APC declared its decision to abstain from the polls.
The party’s state secretary, Kamorudeen Alao, emphasized that the current legal ambiguities and security challenges make it untenable to participate in the elections.
He stated, “We have taken over all the 30 local government areas of Osun State. We took over peacefully, no fight, no violence.”
Amidst the escalating crisis, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a prominent APC chieftain and former lawmaker, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene.
Oyintiloye urged the President to persuade Governor Ademola Adeleke to halt the planned local government elections to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of residents.
He remarked, “I want to appeal to the President to prevail on Gov. Adeleke not to go ahead with the election for security reasons.”
