The All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the local government elections conducted last Saturday by Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), labelling it illegal and unconstitutional.
Felix Morka, APC’s national publicity secretary, issued the statement on Sunday in Abuja, describing the election as being in defiance of court rulings.
“In blatant disregard for the rule of law and a valid judgment of the Court of Appeal, Gov. Adeleke conducted the election on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025,” Mr Morka said.
He recalled that the Court of Appeal ruling of February 10 reinstated local government officials dismissed by Mr Adeleke’s executive order, with the decision striking down a Federal High Court ruling from November 2022.
According to Mr Morka, the Court of Appeal’s judgement nullified the previous ruling and reinstated the officials until the end of their term in October 2025.
He further criticised Mr Adeleke’s actions in appointing illegal caretaker committees, violating Section 7(1) of the Constitution, and argued that the APC showed restraint and respect for the court’s decision.
Mr Morka questioned why Mr Adeleke, who swore to uphold the Constitution, failed to abide by a valid court order and termed the election a “sham” that wasted public funds and risked inciting violence.
He stressed that the governor must respect the law and the rights of the Osun people, calling on local government workers to peacefully continue their duties under the judicially reinstated officials.
Mr Morka also urged security agencies to remain vigilant to prevent further unrest and called for the federal government to ensure that only democratically elected and judicially certified officials received local government funds in Osun.
(NAN)
