The Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Akure has affirmed the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the November 16, 2024, gubernatorial election.
The three-member panel, led by Justice Benson Ogubu, dismissed petitions filed by five opposition political parties, describing them as lacking in merit and substance.
The petitions were filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Action Alliance (AA), Allied People’s Movement (APM), and African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The major contention among the petitioners was the eligibility of Aiyedatiwa’s deputy, Olayide Adelami, with the PDP and its candidate, Alfred Agboola Ajayi, alleging that Adelami submitted a forged WAEC certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The tribunal, however, ruled that the issue of certificate forgery had already been resolved by competent courts, including the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court. Therefore, it stated that the matter could not be entertained again.
The PDP also argued that election forms, particularly Form EC25B, were improperly filled in 3,834 out of the 3,933 polling units, violating electoral laws.
They claimed that necessary information like serial numbers for result sheets, BVAS machines, and ballot papers was not properly recorded. However, the tribunal ruled that the petitioners did not provide sufficient evidence and failed to present the BVAS machines or supporting data to validate their claims.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who polled 366,781 votes against Ajayi’s 117,845, welcomed the ruling and thanked the people of Ondo State for their trust. He also extended a hand of fellowship to the opposition, urging them to work together for the progress of the state.
The PDP has expressed its intention to appeal the tribunal’s decision in a higher court.
Also Read:
EFCC declares two suspects wanted in CBEX fraud case
PDP says 2027 election will be a referendum on APC’s failures
FG denies dam failure caused deadly Mokwa flood, blames climate change and poor drainage
cc: Daily Post Ng
