The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke of disregarding the rule of law by conducting a local government election on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
The court had reinstated previously sacked officials, but Governor Adeleke proceeded with the poll.
In a statement on Sunday, February 23, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka described Adeleke’s actions as a “wanton disregard for the rule of law” and a direct violation of the Court of Appeal’s ruling on February 10, 2025.
“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.
The party also condemned the governor’s appointment of caretaker committees after removing the officials in 2022, calling the move unconstitutional and a violation of Section 7(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates democratically elected local councils.
APC accused Adeleke of ignoring the court ruling and questioned his refusal to comply.
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“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.
Dismissing the local government election as a “sham,” APC insisted it was illegal, unconstitutional, and contemptuous of the Court of Appeal’s judgment.
The party also accused Adeleke of misusing public funds and escalating tensions in the state.
It urged him to seek legal redress at the Supreme Court if dissatisfied with the ruling.
“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.
APC further called on local government workers to continue operating under the reinstated officials and urged security agencies to maintain order.
It also demanded that federal allocations be given only to legally recognised officials.
“The people of Osun State deserve to live in peace and security. Governor Adeleke must quit his political infantilism and uphold peace and constitutional order in the state,” the statement concluded.