APC Orders Reinstated Osun LG Chairmen to Remain in Office

APC Orders Reinstated Osun LG Chairmen to Remain in Office

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State for allegedly violating a Court of Appeal judgment by conducting what the party describes as an “illegal and unconstitutional” local government election on Saturday.

This is as the party also directed the reinstated  LG Chairmen to remain in their respective offices.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC accused Governor Adeleke and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of defying the law by disregarding a valid and subsisting judgment that reinstated elected local government officials.

The Court of Appeal, in its ruling on February 10, 2025, overturned a previous Federal High Court judgment that nullified the election of APC-backed local government officials in 2022. The appellate court declared the Federal High Court’s decision incompetent, effectively reinstating the sacked officials until their term expires in October 2025. However, Governor Adeleke, instead of complying with the ruling, allegedly proceeded with fresh elections in defiance of the court’s order.

The APC described the Governor’s actions as a “flagrant breach” of his oath of office and accused him of “reckless political provocation” that has already led to violent unrest and loss of lives in Osun State.

The party also criticized the Governor for appointing caretaker committees to run local councils after dismissing elected officials in 2022, calling the move unconstitutional and a violation of Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees democratically elected local government councils.

“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?” the statement queried. “Why is the Governor so determined to incite anarchy in Osun State with impunity?”

The APC further called on the Federal Government to withhold federal allocations meant for Osun local governments unless they are administered by judicially reinstated officials. It also urged security agencies to ensure law and order in the state amid rising tensions.

While reiterating its commitment to the rule of law, the APC challenged Governor Adeleke to seek redress at the Supreme Court instead of taking “unconstitutional shortcuts” that could further destabilize the state.

The party urged Osun local government workers to continue their duties under the reinstated chairmen and councillors while calling for immediate compliance with the Court of Appeal’s judgment.