Coalition Of Civil Society Organizations Hail Appeal Court’s Verdict Affirming Sack Of Osun APC Elected LG Chairmen

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Democratic Accountability (CCSODA) has lauded the ruling of the Akure Division of the Court of Appeal, which on Friday, dismissed the appeal filed by the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), seeking a reversal of the judgment of the Federal High Court in Osogbo , that nullified the controversial local government elections conducted during the tenure of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

The elections, widely condemned as a “Yes or No” electoral charade, had installed APC candidates across the 30 local governments and LCDAs in Osun State without opposition.

The Federal High Court had earlier ruled the process unconstitutional, citing procedural breaches and disregard for legal standards.

In a press statement released shortly after the appellate court’s verdict, and signed by its Publicity Director Fasakin Joseph, the Coalition hailed the judiciary for what it described as “a resolute and historic stand against impunity and political desperation.”

The Coalition asserted that the judgment had saved the state from being plunged into violence and chaos orchestrated by “a desperate clique of politicians bent on undermining the sanctity of local governance.”

The Coalition commended the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC), under the leadership of Barrister Hashim Abioye, for its courage in proceeding to organize fresh and credible local government elections in the face of immense pressure and intimidation from the APC, allegedly backed by some rogue elements within the nation’s security apparatus.

“We salute OSIEC and its leadership for refusing to be cowed by the rascality and blackmail of anti-democratic forces,” the statement read.

“Their principled stand reaffirms the sanctity of the ballot and the inviolability of citizens’ democratic rights.”

The statement also extended deep appreciation to the people of Osun State, particularly the staff and management of the various local governments, who, despite months of provocation and illegal occupation of council premises by APC loyalists, refused to descend into violence.

“You resisted the incitement and intimidation, and by so doing, you preserved the peace and dignity of our democratic process,” the Coalition noted.

Furthermore, the Coalition called on key federal institutions, including the Inspector-General of Police, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and other relevant authorities, to immediately restore normalcy and all entitlements due to the newly elected, democratically recognized local government leadership in Osun State.

“The time has come for all arms of government and agencies of state to align with the rule of law and democratic order. The delay in restoring the rights and entitlements of duly elected chairpersons must end now,” the statement concluded.

The Coalition reiterated its commitment to safeguarding democracy at all levels, warning political actors against continued abuse of legal and institutional frameworks to subvert the will of the people.