Civil Society Organisations Urge Federal Government to Enforce Court Judgments in Osun State APC Occupation Controversy

Strategic Insights -

Civil society organisations, the Nigeria Society for Democracy and Good Governance (NSDGG) and the Coalition of Civil Society for Justice and Equity (CCSJE), have spearheaded peaceful protests in Abuja to call on the federal government to enforce court judgments declaring the occupation of Local Government Council Secretariats in Osun State by All Progressives Congress (APC) officials as illegal. The organisations urge the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the Minister of Finance to intervene by recognising and funding only the duly elected officials of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The protests highlight the financial and constitutional dangers of the ongoing crisis in Osun State.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PDP Chairmen and Councillors in Osun State were validly elected on February 22, 2025, in an election conducted by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) in line with the Electoral Act 2022.
  • Despite court rulings voiding the appointments of APC officials, the party's functionaries continue to occupy council offices across the state.
  • The Minister of Finance should withhold further allocations to illegally occupying APC officials and channel funds to the duly elected PDP Chairmen and Councillors.
  • The situation in Osun State is a threat to the rule of law and democratic governance, with APC officials disregarding judicial authority and electoral integrity.
  • Continued financial support to those without a legal mandate sets a dangerous precedent and may trigger instability and chaos at the grassroots governance level.
  • The NSDGG stands firm in its commitment to promoting democracy and good governance in Nigeria and demands that the government act decisively to rectify the situation.
  • The citizens of Osun State deserve to have their voices heard and their choices respected.

Sources:

  • "NSDGG and CCSJE Protest Against Osun State APC Occupation", Nigeria Society for Democracy and Good Governance (NSDGG)
  • "CSOs Protest Against Osun State APC Occupation, Call for Enforcement of Court Judgments", Coalition of Civil Society for Justice and Equity (CCSJE)

Statistics:

  • February 22, 2025: Date of the valid elections for PDP Chairmen and Councillors in Osun State.
  • Electoral Act 2022: Legislative framework governing the conduct of elections in Osun State.
  • 2025: Year in which the valid elections for PDP Chairmen and Councillors were conducted in Osun State.