Emmanuel Adeleke
A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, has nullified the October 15 Local Government elections conducted by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC).
Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel, in a judgement delivered on Friday, said the election was held in contravention of Sections 29 & 32 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had approached the court to challenge the election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC), All Progressives Congress(APC) and its chairman, Gboyega Famodun were the defendants in the suit.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates won all the chairmanship and councillorship seats in the election.
In his judgment, Justice Ayoola held that: “OSIEC law is inconsistent with sections 29 & 32 2022 Electoral Act that provides 180 days notice.
“Notice of election is fundamental. Section 150(3) of the Electoral Act says any election conducted in violation of the provision of the law shall be invalid. I hold the view that the plaintiff has made a good case.The case is held in favour of the plaintiff and against the respondents.
“The election held on 15 October, 2022, is hereby declared unconstitutional, invalid, null and void. All persons or individuals occupying that offices are sacked.”
