The Osun State Government has responded to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, regarding his call to suspend the forthcoming local government elections in the state.
Fagbemi had earlier advised Governor Ademola Adeleke to put the elections on hold, citing legal concerns.
He noted that a court ruling had nullified the directive used by the governor to dissolve the local government administrations established during the previous government.
In reaction, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Legal Matters, Nurudeen Kareem, maintained that the decision that removed the former chairmen remains valid unless overturned by a higher court.
He referenced a Supreme Court ruling emphasizing the necessity of adhering to judicial pronouncements at all levels.
Kareem called on the AGF to clarify his stance, particularly in connection with a prior legal case, insisting that proper legal procedures must be followed.
He added that the people of Osun are eager for further clarification on the matter.
While acknowledging the AGF’s position on the PDP’s legal challenge, Kareem stressed the continued relevance of the APP v. APC case, particularly in light of the Federal High Court’s ruling in suit FHC/OS/CS/103/2022.
He pointed out that this decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal on January 13, 2025.
He further stated that the Federal High Court’s judgment from November 30, 2022, remains binding unless overturned by a competent appellate court.
Citing the Supreme Court case of WADA v. BELLO (2016) 17 NWLR PT 1542 433, he reiterated that all courts are expected to comply with existing judicial decisions.
Given the implications of this ruling for electoral integrity, Kareem urged the AGF to offer a clear legal position on the matter, stating that the people of Osun and Nigerians at large are keen to understand the legal framework surrounding the elections.
(Prompt news)