In a court case of major importance, the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State have filed a lawsuit against Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC). The lawsuit is over the upcoming local government elections and raises critical questions about the legality and transparency of the electoral process.
The plaintiffs, numbering 19 APC candidates in Osun State, are vigorously challenging the validity of the electoral process envisaged for February 2025. In an exemplary legal move, the plaintiffs filed a petition before the State High Court, bearing case number Hos/184/2024, implicating Governor Adeleke and the State Independent Electoral Commission.
The lawsuit follows the disqualification of some opposition candidates, the APC, by the OSIEC chairman last September. A decision that was strongly contested by the leadership of the affected party.
The text of the petition, drafted by the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Muhydeen Adeoye, highlights a series of alleged legal violations by the Electoral Commission since the beginning of the electoral process. The plaintiffs raise key issues, including non-compliance with constitutional provisions and existing electoral laws.
Among the issues submitted to the Court for consideration are the issue of the plaintiffs’ access to an electoral tribunal to express their pre-election grievances against the decisions of the Electoral Commission. Similarly, the unilateral amendment of the ongoing electoral calendar raises questions about the legality of the proceedings.
The plaintiffs are seeking a declaration from the Court that the actions taken by OSIEC since July 2024 are null and void, as well as the invalidation of the 2025 electoral calendar amendment. They are also seeking jointly or severally damages in the amount of one hundred million naira, as well as a written apology for the harm suffered.
This case highlights the critical issues surrounding the electoral process in Osun State, underscoring the importance of transparency, fairness and respect for the law in any democratic process. The outcome of this legal battle promises to have major repercussions on the local political landscape and provide essential clarifications on respect for democratic institutions.