In a significant legal victory for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, the Court of Appeal sitting in Akure has dismissed the attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to relist its appeal against the ruling that nullified the controversial Local Government elections conducted by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) in 2022.

The Court, in a ruling delivered by Justice Peter Chudi Obiorah on June 13, 2025, upheld earlier judgments that voided the elections, effectively reaffirming the PDP’s position against what it described as an illegal and unilateral exercise by the former APC-led OSSIEC.

Background of the Dispute

The legal tussle traces back to the Local Government elections conducted in Osun State by OSSIEC under the previous APC administration. The PDP, alongside other political parties, challenged the conduct and outcome of the polls, alleging lack of fairness, transparency, and compliance with constitutional provisions. The Federal High Court initially ruled in favor of the PDP, setting aside the election results and restraining the elected chairmen and councillors from assuming office.

The APC, dissatisfied with the ruling, took the matter before the Court of Appeal. However, their appeal was dismissed on January 13, 2025, for want of diligent prosecution, a legal term indicating failure to follow through with necessary court procedures.

APC’s Attempt to Relist Appeal Fails

Refusing to back down, the APC filed a motion on notice on January 23, 2025, seeking leave of the court to relist the dismissed appeal. The party cited leadership changes within its ranks and clerical errors by court staff as reasons for the initial procedural lapses.

But in a detailed ruling, the Court of Appeal dismissed the APC’s motion after considering a preliminary objection filed by the PDP on April 10, 2025. The PDP argued that the APC was in contempt of court by attempting to revisit an already concluded appeal and that their application was procedurally incompetent.

Justice Obiorah, in his ruling, agreed with the PDP’s position, stressing that the APC failed to convincingly explain the reasons for its earlier default. The court ruled that it would be against the interest of justice and established legal principles to grant the relisting application.

Implications of the Ruling

With this judgment, the nullification of the Osun Local Government elections stands, effectively retaining the PDP’s control of the legal narrative around the conduct of local council elections in the state. The decision is also seen as a boost for the PDP-led Osun State Government under Governor Ademola Adeleke, affirming the legitimacy of its moves to sanitize local government administration and conduct credible grassroots elections.

PDP Reacts

In a swift reaction, Osun PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi, hailed the judgment as a “victory for democracy, rule of law, and the Osun people.” He reiterated the party’s commitment to ensuring that local government elections in the state henceforth follow due process and reflect the will of the people.

“The era of impunity and reckless abuse of democratic institutions is over in Osun. This judgment is a testament that the judiciary remains the hope of the common man,” Bisi said.

APC Keeps Mum

As of press time, the Osun APC had yet to issue an official statement on the appellate court’s decision. However, sources within the party hinted that the leadership might approach the Supreme Court, though legal experts believe the prospects of overturning the appellate court’s ruling remain slim.