Osun State Independent Electoral Commission Vindicated: Attorney General and Inspector General of Police Owe Apology

Strategic Insights -

Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) Chairman, Barrister Hashim Abioye, has welcomed the Appeal Court's judgment dismissing the case filed by the All Progressives Congress to relist its earlier dismissed appeal. The commission, despite intimidation and harassment of staff, held a credible local government election on February 22, 2025, which has been upheld by the judgment. The OSSIEC boss demanded an apology from the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for their role in attempting to stop the election.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Court of Appeal's judgment has vindicated the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) and its chairman, Barrister Hashim Abioye, after the AGF and IGP attempted to stop the February 22, 2025, local government election.
  • The OSSIEC had provided a credible local government election, which has been upheld by the Appeal Court's judgment, despite intimidation and harassment of staff.
  • The AGF and IGP owed the people of Osun an apology for their role in attempting to stop the election and for ignoring a subsisting judgment and a valid judgment of the Osun State High Court.
  • The OSSIEC has confirmed that at the time of the election, vacancies did exist in Osun local council political offices, and the commission discharged its constitutional mandate effectively and responsibly.
  • The Court of Appeal's judgment has brought relief to the commission and its staff after they suffered condemnations, tribulations, and accusations in the hands of manipulators.
  • The OSSIEC boss has demanded an apology from the AGF and IGP and has issued a "CAVEAT EMPTOR" warning to all persons and authorities that only the winners of the Osun 2025 local government elections are the legitimate officials.

Statistics:

  • The local government election was held on February 22, 2025.
  • The Appeal Court delivered its judgment on an unspecified date (exact date not provided).
  • The OGSE premises was sealed up on the order of the IGP, acting on the advice of the AGF.
  • The election was held peacefully and successfully, with winners emerging and being issued certificates of return.
  • The OSSIEC discharged its constitutional mandate effectively and responsibly by giving notice of election in full compliance with relevant electoral laws.

Sources:

  • Commission Has Been Vindicated
  • OSSIEC (No exact date provided)