The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has clarified the status of ongoing litigations concerning its operations, assuring the public that there is no cause for alarm as the election process remains uninterrupted.
In a statement issued by the commission’s Information Officer, Sadiat Isiaka, OSSIEC addressed allegations circulating in the media, describing them as baseless propaganda. According to the commission’s legal department, six cases are currently pending against OSSIEC—two appeals, two cases at the Federal High Court, and two at the State High Court.
The two appeals stem from judgments delivered by the Federal High Court in Osogbo on November 25 and 30, 2022, which nullified the 2022 local government elections and removed elected officials from office. Both appeals, lodged by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates, seek to overturn the rulings.
On January 13, 2025, the Court of Appeal in Akure dismissed one of the appeals filed by the APC, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and Babarinde Nurudeen Idowu due to abandonment. OSSIEC emphasized that the dismissal upholds the validity of the Federal High Court’s judgment nullifying the elections. While judgment is pending on the second appeal, OSSIEC noted that one of the Federal High Court judgments remains validly subsisting, regardless of the outcome of the appeal.
Two additional cases before the Federal High Court in Osogbo include one filed by the APC challenging the appointment of OSSIEC Chairman Hashim Abioye, and another by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) seeking to nullify the election process. The SDP case is set for hearing on January 20, 2025.
OSSIEC clarified that the suit against the chairman does not include any restraining orders or impact on the election process. The commission described the case as a “personal attack” and reaffirmed the legitimacy of the chairman’s appointment, adding that the matter is still at the court of first instance.
At the State High Court, two cases were filed by the APC. One seeks to have its candidates included on the ballot, despite these individuals reportedly not being part of the party’s initial list submitted to OSSIEC. The hearing for this case is scheduled for February 10, 2025. The second case challenges the OSSIEC (Amendment No.1) Law, 2024, regarding the constitution of election tribunals. OSSIEC recently became aware of this suit, filed on December 30, 2024.
OSSIEC emphasized that none of the pending litigations hinder the electoral process. The commission urged the public to disregard unfounded rumors and propaganda, reaffirming its commitment to conducting a seamless and legitimate election.
“The election process proceeds seamlessly, legitimately, and steadily without hitches. The commission assures the public that there is no cause for alarm,” the statement concluded.
