Ondo Tribunal strikes out Jegede’s petition against Akeredolu

…We’ll appeal the judgement — PDP

By Akintunde Jacobs, Akure

The Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Akure, on Tuesday struck out the petition of the People’s Democratic Party’s candidate in the last year governorship election, Eyitayo Jegede against Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for lack of jurisdiction.

Recall that the parties had in 25 February this year adopted their written addresses before the Tribunal, while the governorship candidate of the PDP, Jegede had in the petition filed before the Tribunal challenged the outcome of the last gubernatorial election in the state that returned Governor Akeredolu.

Jegede, who faulted Akeredolu’s participation at the poll alleged that he and his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), were not validly nominated. The tribunal judgement, which was held via Zoom had been earlier scheduled for Wednesday April 21, and later rescheduled to today.

The three-man panel led by Justice Umar Abubakar, however, struck out the petition of Jegede of the PDP for lack of jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has hailed the judgment describing it as victory for the people of Ondo State, who abandoned everything on October 10, last year, to cast their votes.

Alex Kalejaye, the APC state Publicity Secretary, in a statement made available to journalists in Akure shortly after the judgement commended the 3-man tribunal for being dispassionate and objective in considering all the arguments and counter-arguments assembled before it, while the trial lasted. Kalejaye, however, advised the main opposition party to accept the judgment in good faith and put its house in order, while preparing for future elections.

Also reacting, Alex Ajipe, an APC Chieftain said the APC candidate, Akeredolu truly deserved the victory despite the intimidation, harassment and violence unleashed on APC supporters and other shenanigans perpetrated by opposition parties in the state. Ajipe, who spoke through his Media Aide, Solomon Adewoye said the judgment of the tribunal, affirming the governor electoral victory has further demonstrated that his election was indeed a true reflection of the wishes of the people. He urged governor Akeredolu to be magnanimous in victory and extend his hands of fellowship to the opposition party, PDP in order to unite the people.

Meanwhile the PDP has said it would appeal the judgement. The party, through it Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei said, “It is important to stress that, in its wisdom, the Tribunal admitted that issues raised by the petitioners were sufficient for consideration but Constitutional, which the Tribunal is not in a position to do justice to. The interpretation of the Constitution is a role reserved exclusively for the highest Court in the land-the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“The Constitution of every country is the document that regulates actions and behavior of her citizens. Therefore, it is our belief that nobody can flagrantly trample on the 1999 Constitution (as Amended) and escape  with the excuse that the Tribunal has no jurisdiction.

“The PDP is convinced that, we have a strong case for which we shall be vindicated at the end of the day.

“We wish  to appeal to all our party faithfuls to be steadfast and remain calm in the present circumstance, as we are sure of victory in the long run.”