The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has denounced the local government elections conducted on Saturday, labeling them as “illegal, unconstitutional, and a disgraceful sham.”
This condemnation follows a series of legal and political confrontations between the APC and Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration regarding the legitimacy of local government leadership in the state.
In November 2022, the Federal High Court in Osogbo annulled the local government elections held in October 2022, leading to the removal of elected APC chairmen and councilors. However, on February 10, 2025, the Court of Appeal in Akure overturned this decision, effectively reinstating the sacked officials.
“To be clear, in its judgment, the Court of Appeal allowed the appeal of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against the judgment of the Federal High Court and held that the suit was incompetent and was struck out accordingly.
“In effect, the Court of Appeal nullified the judgment of the Federal High Court and reinstated the sacked local government officials until the expiration of their term of office in October 2025. That is the valid, subsisting, and binding legal position on the matter,” Morka stated.
Despite the appellate court’s ruling, Governor Adeleke proceeded with organizing new local government elections.
Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, advised the governor to halt the planned elections, emphasizing that the Court of Appeal’s judgment had restored the previously removed officials, and conducting new elections would contravene the constitution.
The APC criticized the governor’s actions, accusing him of defying court orders and attempting to impose his party’s candidates unlawfully.
The party’s state chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, urged Governor Adeleke to comply with the court’s decision and provide security for the reinstated officials. Lawal accused the governor of seeking undue public sympathy through unfounded allegations.
“Why is it so difficult for Governor Adeleke, who swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution, to abide by a valid order of the Court of Appeal reinstating the sacked local government officials?
“Why is the Governor and his PDP vehement on taking matters into their own hands in disregard of a valid judgment of the Court of Appeal?”
“Why is Governor Adeleke so desperate and determined to incite anarchy in Osun state with impunity?” the statement queried.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has strongly criticized Saturday’s local government election, describing it as “a disgraceful sham, illegal, unconstitutional, and a blatant disregard for a valid and subsisting judgment of the Court of Appeal.”
The party accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of misusing public funds to conduct what it called an illegitimate election, warning that such actions could heighten tensions in the state.
Emphasizing the need for adherence to the rule of law, the APC reminded Adeleke of his constitutional obligation to respect judicial rulings.
The party urged the governor to seek legal redress through the Supreme Court if he disagreed with the Court of Appeal’s decision, rather than proceeding with what it labeled as a “lawless” election.
“The sensible and democratic remedy available to Adeleke is to exercise his government’s right to appeal to the Supreme Court in the matter,” Morka asserted.
