The All Progressives Congress (APC) has instituted a suit against Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, at the Federal High Court in Osogbo for allegedly appointing a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC).

ln the Suit No. FHC/OS/CS/2/2024 filed by APC counsel, Ayodele Kusamotu, a copy of which was obtained by newsmen in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Tuesday, the opposition party in the state asked the court to set aside the appointment of Hasim Abioye as the OSIEC chairman.

Also joined as co-defendants in the suit are the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Osun State.

Others are the Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Osun State House of Assembly, Hasim Abioye (the appointed OSIEC chairman), and OSIEC.

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The APC, in the supporting affidavit signed by the Assistant Secretary in Osun State, Waheed Adeniran, said: “The nomination and appointment of a partisan person as the Chairman of the state electoral body offend law and would not guarantee credible local government elections in the state.

“That the new Chairman, having been a card-carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, will not be neutral and impartial in the local government election processes.

“That Governor Adeleke (the 3rd defendant) cannot validly and legally nominate and forward the name of Hasim Abioye, OSIEC Chairman (the 7th Defendant), a bonafide member of his registered political party to the 5th and 6th defendants for screening and confirmation and to be appointed by him as the chairman of the 8th defendant, OSIEC.”

The APC further urged the court to give an order setting aside or nullifying the appointment of the OSIEC chairman and removing him from office, among other requests.

The Osun APC Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, confirmed that the suit was instituted by the National Headquarters of the APC in Abuja.

The opposition political parties in Osun State had criticised the appointment of Abioye since he was nominated, confirmed, and appointed by Governor Adeleke as the OSIEC chairman in November 2023.

The Star