The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 16, 2024, Governorship election in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of having prior knowledge of the election petition tribunal judgment that was delivered in their favor.
Ajayi made the allegation on Tuesday, pointing to the manner in which APC chieftains and supporters arrived at the tribunal premises in a celebratory mood before the judgment was delivered. According to him, this behavior indicated that the ruling party already knew the outcome.
"The way APC members stormed the premises of the tribunal situated at the Ondo State High Court Complex in celebratory mood ahead of the judgement clearly signposted that the judgement had been known beforehand," Ajayi stated.
Tribunal Dismisses PDP's Petition
The tribunal, led by Justice Benson Ogubu, had last Wednesday dismissed the petitions filed by the PDP and four other parties challenging Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa's victory. In its verdict, the three-member panel declared the petitions as "worthless and unmeritorious."
Ajayi further alleged that the tribunal failed to properly analyze the evidence and exhibits submitted during the proceedings. The former deputy governor vowed to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal, emphasizing his commitment to pursue justice within Nigeria's electoral legal framework.
Certificate Forgery Allegations
The PDP candidate had challenged the qualification of Aiyedatiwa's deputy, Olayide Adelami, alleging forgery of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) certificate submitted to INEC. Ajayi cited inconsistencies with three different names appearing on the documents.
He argued that these discrepancies should have invalidated the APC ticket, consequently affecting the governor's victory in the election.
APC Responds to Allegations
In a swift reaction, the APC described Ajayi's position as unfortunate, stating that his actions constituted "an unwarranted assault on the integrity of Nigeria's judicial system."
The APC, through its Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, stated: "It is evident that PDP's disappointment stems from their inability to secure a favourable verdict, a result they had hoped would allow them to usurp the mandate given to the APC by the electorate."
The political tension in Ondo State continues to escalate as both parties remain firm in their positions regarding the election outcome and tribunal judgment.
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