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Election

APC Withdraws from Osun Local Government Elections Amid Political Tension

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Osun State local government elections scheduled for February 22, 2025. The decision follows a recent Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated previously elected APC chairmen and councillors, a development that has intensified political unrest in the state.

According to report, the withdrawal was communicated in a statement signed by APC State Publicity Secretary, Alao Kamorudeen, and addressed to the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) on February 17.

The APC referenced the February 10 ruling of the Court of Appeal in Akure, which overturned a previous Federal High Court decision that nullified the APC-led local government administration.

“By the judgment, the elected officers have resumed offices as allowed by the Appeal Court,” the statement read.

“The implication of the Court of Appeal judgment is that the seats are no longer vacant. In view of this, APC and all its candidates withdraw from the local government election, as it has become unnecessary, superfluous, and unlawful.”

The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has challenged this interpretation, arguing that the court did not reinstate APC officials. Governor Ademola Adeleke accused former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and APC stalwarts of orchestrating a “forceful and violent takeover” of local government offices in the state.

Governor Adeleke also criticized the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, alleging that he enabled what the PDP describes as “lawlessness” in Osun’s local government areas.

“It is unfortunate and a disservice to democracy that the Inspector-General of Police is colluding with the APC to enforce a non-existent court order,” Adeleke’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, stated. “This is a serious threat to democracy in Nigeria.”

Tensions escalated on February 19 when Olayera Elugbaju, Chairman of Ife-Central Local Government, and his supporters stormed the council secretariat despite a restraining order from Governor Adeleke. Videos circulating online showed Elugbaju and his loyalists jubilating and chanting APC slogans while insisting on resuming official duties.

The situation worsened following violent clashes between APC and PDP supporters. On February 17, 2025, Remi Abass, the reinstated Chairman of Irewole Local Government, was tragically killed. Reports indicate that Abass was ambushed by armed men suspected to be political thugs as he arrived at the local government secretariat in Ikire with his supporters. He was shot dead, leading to widespread unrest in the area.

The political instability in Osun State has raised concerns about security and governance, with stakeholders calling for a peaceful resolution. While the APC maintains that the local government seats are no longer vacant, the PDP continues to push back, setting the stage for further legal and political battles.

As the February 22 election approaches, all eyes remain on how the Osun State government, security agencies, and electoral commission will navigate the crisis to ensure stability in the state.

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