LG Poll: Osun Court Adjourns Suit Seeking to Halt Election to January 17
An Osun State High Court sitting in Ile-Ife has adjourned the hearing on the suit challenging the conduct of the February 22 local government elections to January 17, 2025.
The case, presided over by Justice Adedapo Adeniji on Thursday, was postponed to allow for the hearing of pending applications or the presentation of a settlement report.
The suit was filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 19 of its candidates disqualified by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC). The plaintiffs have named OSSIEC, Governor Ademola Adeleke, and the State Attorney General as defendants, seeking to halt the election over allegations of irregularities and exclusion from the polls.
Counsel for the claimants, Muhideen Adeoye, outlined the two primary reliefs sought: The invalidation of the amended election notice published by OSSIEC on July 18, 2024. The inclusion of the disqualified candidates if the poll proceeds.
During the proceedings, counsel for the All Peoples Party (APP), Moruf Adediran, requested to join the suit, while the State Attorney General’s representative, Deji Atoyebi, sought additional time to respond to the application.
Meanwhile, OSSIEC’s counsel, Musibau Adetunbi, proposed an out-of-court settlement. He suggested that the claimants withdraw their challenge to the amended election notice and the absence of an Election Petition Tribunal, while OSSIEC would reconsider its rejection of the candidates’ nominations.
In response, Adeoye acknowledged the urgency of the matter and pledged to consult his clients regarding the settlement offer. He expressed readiness to present their decision at the next court hearing.
Justice Adeniji subsequently adjourned the case to January 17, 2025, for further hearing or a settlement update.
