The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State said it will boycott the February 22 Local Government poll following the Court of Appeal verdict reinstating sacked chairmen.

The Nation recalled  APC members were elected at the twilight of the administration of Adegboyega Oyetola in 2022 in a controversial ‘Yes or No’ election, which the Federal High Court declared illegal. 

Governor Ademola Adeleke sacked the council bosses in November 2022, after which the case was taken to Court of Appeal where it was resolved in favour of APC on Monday. 

The Osun Independent Electoral Commission(OSIEC) had fixed February 22 for the election. 

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who is the leader of APC in Osun State on Friday announced that the party will boycott the election noting they ‘any election after the Court of Appeal verdict is illegal. We can’t be part of such.”

Speaking at the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign office on Friday, he said: “We will not participate in any LG election, it is illegal, tell them to obey the court order first because as it is, the council positions are not vacant, hence no need for another election. 

“Our chairmen will resume their respective offices with all instruments of law. The court of Appeal verdict will be implemented. I want to urge all the chairmen and councillors not to fight them, we are a peace-loving party.”

He charged the reinstated council chiefs to “Go home and be rejoicing, I will come and greet you all in your respective offices.”