The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has announced its withdrawal from the local government election scheduled for Saturday, 22nd February 2025. The decision was communicated in a letter dated 17th February, signed by the APC State Publicity Secretary, Alao Kamorudeen, and addressed to the Secretary of the State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC).
The withdrawal follows a 10th February Court of Appeal judgment in Akure, which reinstated APC chairmen and councillors who had been sacked earlier. The APC argued that the judgment nullified the vacancies in the local government positions, making the upcoming election unnecessary.
In the letter, the APC stated:
“By the judgment, the elected officers have resumed offices as allowed by the Appeal Court. The implication is that the seats are no longer vacant. In view of the foregoing, we hereby state that APC and all its candidates have by this letter informed the commission that we withdraw from the local government election scheduled for Feb. 22.”
The decision has sparked tension between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which disputes the interpretation of the court ruling. The PDP claims the judgment did not reinstate the APC officials, leading to clashes between supporters of both parties at local government secretariats across the state.
Casualties Reported:
Police confirmed that six persons died and several others were injured during the violent clashes on Monday.
The withdrawal of the APC from the election adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape in Osun State, with both parties locked in a legal and political battle over control of local government councils.
- News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
