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.
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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.”
