The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, of breaching his oath of office and disregarding the rule of law over the conduct of the local government election on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
The APC argued that the election should not have taken place, given that a ruling by the Court of Appeal, which reinstated previously dismissed officials, was still in effect.
In a press statement released on Sunday, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, condemned Adeleke’s actions as a “blatant disregard for the rule of law” and a violation of the Court of Appeal’s ruling on February 10, 2025.
The statement, titled “Adeleke Must Remedy Flagrant Breach of His Oath of Office,” stressed that the court’s judgment had reinstated the local government officials who were removed by an executive order issued by Governor Adeleke in 2022.
Read Also: OSSIEC Presents Certificate Of Return To ‘Elected’ Osun LG Chairmen
“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 APC also condemned Governor Adeleke’s establishment of “caretaker committees” after the dismissal of local government officials in 2022, calling the action illegal and a direct breach of Section 7(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates a local government system based on democratically elected councils.
Read Also: Tinubu’s Minister Threatens To Leave APC
The party pointed out that despite the unfavorable ruling from the Federal High Court in 2022, it opted to seek legal recourse rather than resorting to violence or self-help.
The APC further questioned Governor Adeleke’s refusal to abide by the Court of Appeal’s ruling, emphasizing the governor’s duty to uphold constitutional principles.
“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.
The APC rejected Saturday’s local government election, calling it “a disgraceful sham, illegal, unconstitutional, and flagrantly disrespectful of the valid and ongoing judgment of the Court of Appeal, rendering it void and without consequence.”
The party also criticized the governor for squandering public funds and heightening tensions in an already unstable state.
Emphasizing that Adeleke is obligated by the constitution to uphold the rule of law, the APC urged him to follow proper legal procedures by appealing to the Supreme Court if he disagrees with the Court of Appeal’s 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.
The statement also encouraged local government employees in Osun State to carry out their responsibilities under the chairmen and councillors reinstated by the court, while urging security agencies to uphold peace amidst the tensions following the election.
Additionally, the party appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that federal allocations are only provided to officials who are democratically elected and recognized by the judiciary in Osun State.
“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.
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2Z
