The All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken legal action against Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun, filing a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Osogbo. The suit, coded as FHC/OS/CS/2/2024 and represented by APC counsel Ayodele Kusamotu, seeks to overturn the appointment of Hasim Abioye, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC).
The defendants in the suit include the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Osun, the Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Osun State House of Assembly, and Hasim Akintunde Abioye himself, alongside OSIEC.
APC’s supporting affidavit, signed by Waheed Adeniran, the Assistant Secretary in Osun, argues that appointing a partisan figure as the Chairman of the state electoral body violates the law and jeopardizes the credibility of local government elections in the state. The document contends that Abioye’s previous membership with the PDP would hinder his ability to remain neutral and impartial in the local government election processes.
Moreover, the affidavit challenges the validity of Governor Adeleke’s nomination and appointment of Abioye, emphasizing the potential conflict of interest stemming from the chairman’s political affiliation.
The APC has formally requested the court to nullify Abioye’s appointment and remove him from his current position. This legal action was confirmed by Osun APC Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, stating that it was initiated by the APC’s National Headquarters in Abuja.
In response to Abioye’s appointment, opposition political parties in Osun expressed strong disapproval, criticizing the governor’s decision since Abioye’s nomination, confirmation, and subsequent appointment as the Chairman of the Osun Independent Electoral Commission in November 2023.
This legal battle reflects the intensifying political landscape in Osun and exemplifies the ongoing power struggles between the ruling party and the opposition, setting the stage for a judicial showdown that could significantly impact the state’s electoral dynamics.
