The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has announced its withdrawal from the forthcoming local government polls in Osun.

The party’s chairman, Wale Adebayo, announced this in a statement on Saturday in Osogbo, the state capital.

Mr Adebayo cited the lack of transparency exhibited by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) as the reason for its withdrawal.

He expressed concerns over the activities of OSIEC, stating that its alleged affiliation to a particular political party and its previous actions had demonstrated bias.

Mr Adebayo said the decision came after the Court of Appeal’s recent ruling, which reinstated the local government chairs sacked in 2022.

He said the party believed that participating in the elections under the current circumstances would be tantamount to endorsing an unfair and unjust process.

According to him, OSIEC’s actions have undermined the integrity of the electoral process, making it impossible for the party to participate in the polls.

“In light of the recent ruling by the Court of Appeal on February 10th, which reinstated the sacked local government chairmen and councillors, APM has made the resolute decision to boycott the upcoming local government elections. 

“We assert that any election taking place after this Court of Appeal verdict is illegal and fundamentally undermines the democratic process.

“The reinstatement of the previously removed local government officials raises serious concerns regarding the legitimacy and integrity of any elections conducted thereafter,” Mr Adebayo said.

He urged the state government and its institutions to fully respect the appellate court ruling and refrain from actions that could lead to civil unrest.

The party chairman also called on the people of the state to remain calm and vigilant, ensuring that their rights were protected and their voices heard.

He, however, reiterated APM’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law, maintaining that it would continue to seek justice and fairness through available legal means.

(NAN)