The Ondo state election petition tribunal on Wednesday
affirmed the victory of Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
in the November 16, 2024, governorship election.
The tribunal dismissed petitions submitted by the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Social Democratic Party
(SDP), and Action Alliance (AA) against Aiyedatiwa’s election, citing a lack of
merit and insufficient evidence.
Delivering the lead judgment, Benson Ogubu, one of the
judges, said the allegations of academic certificate forgery, over-voting, and
non-compliance with the Electoral Act were not substantiated by the
petitioners.
Ogbudu said the tribunal found the evidence presented by the
APM and SDP to be of no probative value and was based on speculation rather
than concrete facts.
The tribunal also ruled that the AA lacked the locus standi
to challenge the election results, noting that the party did not field a
candidate and dismissed claims of corrupt practices and vote buying due to a
lack of credible evidence.
‘REFLECTION OF PEOPLE’S WILL’
Reacting to the tribunal’s ruling, Aiyedatiwa hailed the
judgment as a reflection of the will of the people, noting that the mandate was
given to him by over 366,000 residents of Ondo state’s 18 LGAs.
Aiyedatiwa, who spoke to journalists after the judgment,
said some political parties thought they could steal his mandate through the
back door.
“Some political parties thought that they can steal the
mandate through the back door, but today, the judiciary has confirmed the
decision of the majority of indigenes and residents of Ondo state,” he said.
“So, I am delighted and happy; I, myself, my deputy and the
chairman are happy; we are grateful to God.”
The governor extended the hand of fellowship to opposition
parties, stating that their ideas would contribute to the development of the
state.
Meanwhile, the PDP, through Olujimi Oluseye, its counsel,
has indicated a desire to appeal the judgment after reviewing the certified
true copy (CTC).
“We respect the judges, but we must not forget that it
didn’t go in our favour. Our clients have a constitutional right to seek
redress,” Oluseye said.
“Having said that, we are going to apply for the certified
true copy of the judgment, and we will study it. Part of what we may likely do
is to go on appeal. But this is subject to the information we get from our
clients.”
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