—By Egalitarian Voice
In a resounding victory for democratic accountability and grassroots representation, the Court of Appeal in Akure has dismissed the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s attempt to resuscitate the discredited 2022 Osun local government elections. The court reaffirmed that the polls, earlier declared illegal, remain void, and it upheld the legitimacy of the duly elected chairmen who emerged from the February 2025 local government elections under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Delivering the judgment on Friday, Justice Obiora made it clear that the APC’s legal maneuvers lacked merit. The court criticized the party for abandoning its appeal for over two years and for misrepresenting prior judicial proceedings. “They cannot complain about a self-inflicted injury,” the judge asserted, highlighting the need for procedural diligence and truthfulness in legal pursuits.
Reacting to the ruling, Hashim Abioye, Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), described the verdict as a reaffirmation of democratic order and institutional integrity.
“This is a clear victory for the rule of law,” Abioye said. “There were no validly elected local government officials in place when OSSIEC conducted the 2025 elections. Our commission acted within its mandate, and the people’s will has prevailed.”
Abioye did not hold back in criticizing the roles played by senior federal officials, including Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, whom he accused of attempting to obstruct the 2025 polls based on “false claims” of reinstating the 2022 APC-backed councils.
Despite reported attempts to derail the democratic process—including the unlawful sealing of OSSIEC offices by police on the eve of the election—Abioye said the commission remained committed to its duty. “There were threats, arrests, and intimidation, but we stood firm. We delivered peaceful, credible, and people-driven elections.”
Declaring that the 2025 winners are the only lawful officeholders, Abioye stated emphatically: “Any contrary claims are illegal. The siege on democracy in Osun is over.”
The judgment marks a turning point for local governance in Osun State and sets a powerful precedent for the supremacy of popular will over legal technicalities and political manipulation.
Egalitarian Voice will continue to monitor post-judgment developments to ensure that the voices of the people remain central to governance at the local level.
