The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has announced its withdrawal from the local government election set for Saturday, February 22, citing a recent Court of Appeal judgment.

In a letter dated February 17, signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Alao Kamorudeen, and addressed to the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, the APC formally communicated its decision.

The letter, obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday, stated that the withdrawal was based on a Court of Appeal ruling delivered on February 10, which reinstated the party’s previously removed chairmen and councillors.

According to the APC, the verdict overturned an earlier Federal High Court ruling, effectively restoring its elected officials to office. Consequently, the party argued that holding another election would be unnecessary and illegal, as the local government seats were no longer vacant.

The Court of Appeal’s decision has intensified tensions between the APC and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). While the PDP maintains that the judgment did not reinstate the sacked officials, the APC insists that they must return to office.

The dispute escalated on Monday, leading to violent clashes between supporters of both parties at various local government secretariats across the state.

The police confirmed that the unrest resulted in six deaths and multiple injuries.