The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun has withdrawn from the local government elections scheduled for February 22. This decision was made official in a letter dated February 17, signed by the APC state Publicity Secretary, Alao Kamorudeen, and addressed to the Secretary of the State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC).¹

The APC’s withdrawal is based on the contentious February 10 Court of Appeal judgment, which reinstated its chairmen and councillors. According to the APC, this judgment implies that the seats are no longer vacant, making the election unnecessary and unlawful.

The letter read: “Recall that judgment of the Federal High Court in suit No. FHF Os/CS/94/2022 was meritoriously nullified on February 10 by Court of Appeal in Akure, in appeal No. CA/AK/270/2022 between APC and 3 others V. Peoples Democratic Party and others.

This development comes after violence broke out in Osun State on Monday, resulting in the death of at least six people. The clashes occurred during the takeover of local government secretaries between members of the ruling PDP and APC.

The February 10 ruling of the Appeal Court has been interpreted differently by the two parties, leading to the contentious situation. The APC’s withdrawal from the election is likely to further escalate the tensions between the two parties.

In a statement, the APC explained that the Court of Appeal judgment nullified the Federal High Court’s decision, allowing the elected officers to resume their offices. The party believes that this judgment makes the election scheduled for February 22 unnecessary.

The situation in Osun State remains volatile, with the APC’s withdrawal from the election likely to have significant implications for the state’s political landscape.