The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has officially withdrawn from the upcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22.
The party’s decision follows the February 10 Court of Appeal judgment, which reinstated its chairmen and councillors previously dismissed.
In a letter addressed to the State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) on February 17, signed by the APC State Publicity Secretary, Alao Kamorudeen, the party stated that participation in the elections had become unnecessary.
The letter read: “The implication of the Court of Appeal judgment… is that the seats are no longer vacant.”
The judgment, which nullified the Federal High Court’s decision, has sparked tensions between the APC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The PDP maintains that the judgment did not reinstate the APC’s sacked officials, while the APC insists on their return to local government offices.
The disagreement escalated into a violent clash on Monday, with both parties laying claim to local government secretariats across the state. The police confirmed that at least six people lost their lives, and several others were injured during the unrest.
As tensions rise, the APC has officially withdrawn from the election, deeming it “superfluous and unlawful” following the court’s decision.