Osun APP Condemns AGF’s Position, Insists LG Election Must Hold
The Osun State chapter of the Action Peoples Party (APP) has strongly criticised the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Lateef Fagbemi, over his stance on the October 15, 2022, local government election in the state, describing it as “fatally biased” and a potential trigger for unrest.
The AGF, in a statement on Thursday, had urged Adeleke to instruct the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission to halt the election, warning that it would be invalid and a violation of the Constitution.
Fagbemi referenced the recent Court of Appeal ruling in Akure, which overturned an earlier Federal High Court judgment that nullified the previous local government elections conducted under former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
The ruling effectively reinstated the sacked council chairmen, whose tenure, according to the AGF, remains valid until October 2025.
Fagbemi noted that any such election that may be held will not only be invalid since the term of office of the elected officials just restored by the judgment of the Court of Appeal will still be running until October 2025, but it will also amount to an egregious breach of the Constitution, which Governor Adeleke has sworn to uphold.
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He further cautioned against any actions that could lead to violence, urging Adeleke to uphold the rule of law and maintain peace in the state.
Meanwhile, speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the Chairman of the APP in the state, Hon Odesola Oluseye Titus, expressed dismay over a communication allegedly emanating from the AGF’s office.
He argued that the stance taken by Fagbemi was a blatant disregard for existing court judgements and an attempt to undermine the rule of law.
According to Odesola, the AGF’s position contradicts the ruling of the Osogbo Federal High Court, which had on November 30, 2022, nullified the controversial local government election for violating electoral laws.
He noted that the Court of Appeal had also upheld this judgement, rendering the AGF’s stance not only misleading but legally questionable.
“It is ridiculous that the Attorney General, a supposed custodian of the law, would cherry-pick sections of a judgement that suit his narrative while ignoring a subsisting ruling of the same court,” he said.
The APP chairman stressed that, in a democratic society, the Attorney General’s office should be well-informed of all court decisions and act in a manner that upholds justice rather than creating confusion.
He accused Fagbemi of deliberately feigning ignorance of the Court of Appeal’s ruling that affirmed the nullification of the election.
Odesola reaffirmed his party’s decision to fully participate in the rescheduled local government election set for Saturday, February 22, 2025.
He stated that after thorough consultations with legal experts and party stakeholders, the APP was convinced that the election must go ahead as planned.
“The Attorney General of the Federation is not bigger than the courts in Nigeria. His opinion should be tested in the court of law rather than used to create unnecessary tension,” he added.
He called on the people of Osun State to resist any attempt to subvert the democratic process, urging them to turn out en masse and vote for the APP in the upcoming polls.
The APP chairman further assured that his party remains committed to the democratic process and will continue to advocate for fairness, justice, and the rule of law in Osun State.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
