By Gbenga Adeola
The Osun State Independent Electoral Commissioner, OSSIEC, Mr. Hasim Abioye has assured the Residents of the State that preparations for the scheduled local government elections were still on course.
Mr. Abioye gave the assurance during a News Conference in Osogbo, in reaction to the Court of Appeal judgement reinstating the sacked local government officials by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
He urged all political parties to continue their campaigns peacefully and encouraged residents of the state to remain calm.
The OSSIEC Boss ” urged the public to remain calm and all political parties to go about their peaceful campaigns as we count down to 22nd February 2025.
Mr. Abioye stressed that the appellate court ruled that the suit was filed before the issuance of the Notice of Election by OSSIEC.
“It must be noted that it was during the pendency of the suit before the Federal High Court that the OSSIEC Law 2022 was enacted and the notice of election was issued.” Mr Abioye added
He further noted that the PDP had amended its originating summons to reflect new developments while the case was ongoing.
Mr. Abioye explains further “However, the Federal High Court delivered judgement on 25th November 2022, nullifying the election and sacking the officials elected under the process.
“Following the judgment, candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) affected by the ruling, along with their party, appealed the decision. The Court of Appeal, in its judgment on Monday, struck out the case, describing it as speculative.” He added
He stressed that all 30 local government areas in Osun State remain without elected officials, as the court rulings have upheld the nullification of the 2022 elections.
“In specific terms, the decisions of both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal stand against the APC and its candidates,” he said.
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