The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially pulled out of the upcoming local government elections scheduled for February 22, 2025.
The party’s decision was communicated in a letter to the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), signed by the APC Secretary, Alao Olabisi Kamoru.
According to the letter, the withdrawal was based on a recent ruling by the Appeal Court in Akure, which reinstated previously elected local government officials, thereby nullifying the need for fresh elections.
Explaining its stance, the APC highlighted that the Appeal Court’s judgment (Appeal No. CA/AK/270/2022) overturned a previous Federal High Court ruling (Suit No. FHC/OS/CS/94/2022), which had initially voided the tenure of the reinstated officials.
The party emphasized that this legal development meant the local government seats were no longer vacant, making the elections “unnecessary, superfluous, and unlawful.”
Meanwhile, despite having campaigned vigorously across Osun’s 30 local government areas, the party acknowledged that proceeding with the elections under these circumstances would lead to further legal complications.
“The recent judgment has made it clear that there is no need for fresh elections, as the previously elected officials have been reinstated,” the APC stated in its letter.
Furthermore, the party stressed that its decision was taken in the best interest of political stability and to prevent unnecessary disputes that could arise from an election deemed legally invalid.
The withdrawal, though unexpected, is seen as a strategic move that could prevent prolonged political tension and legal battles.
While reactions from other political parties remain uncertain, the APC’s withdrawal is expected to ease tensions surrounding the elections.
Moreover, this move highlights the party’s willingness to adhere to judicial rulings rather than engage in unnecessary electoral conflicts.
However, with the decision now public, the focus shifts to how OSSIEC will proceed, given that the elections were initially planned under the assumption of vacant seats.
