The legal team that represented the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Osun State governorship election has distanced itself from a petition purportedly filed by the party and its candidate challenging Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory.
The development has introduced fresh uncertainty into the legal dispute surrounding the August 15 governorship election.
Two petitions appear before tribunal
Separate petitions reportedly appeared on the notice board of the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Osogbo.
One petition listed APC candidate Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji and the APC as petitioners, while Governor Adeleke, the Accord Party and the Independent National Electoral Commission were listed as respondents.
A second petition listed the PDP as petitioner.
APC lawyers deny authorising petition
Adekunle Adegoke (SAN), one of the lawyers associated with the APC legal team, said the party’s lawyers did not file or authorise the petition challenging Adeleke’s victory.
According to the legal team, consultations had taken place with Oyebamiji and other party leaders after the election, after which the decision was reportedly taken not to challenge the result in court.
The lawyers said the decision was intended to de-escalate political tensions and promote peace in the state.
Election result
Adeleke was declared winner of the August 15 governorship election.
The controversy surrounding the purported APC petition has now raised questions about who authorised the document and whether it represents the official position of the party or its candidate.
The APC legal team’s denial does not, however, erase the fact that a petition bearing the names of the APC and its candidate appeared before the tribunal.
What happens next
The legal standing and origin of the disputed petition may become an issue before the tribunal if proceedings continue.
For now, the APC legal team has publicly rejected responsibility for the filing.