Ajilesoro retains mandate of Ife Federal Constituency, as court affirms election was free, fair
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
The National/State Assembly Election Tribunal sitting in Osogbo, Osun State capital has upheld the victory of the People Democratic Party( PDP) and its candidate for Ife Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Honourable Taofeeq Ajilesoro as the winner of the February 25 general election thereby retaining the mandate handed him by the residents of Ife Federal Constituency.
The unanimous judgment by the Three-member tribunal said the petitioners failed to prove their petition (on Certificates Forgery, Overvoting, Lawful Votes, among others) against the PDP House of Representatives candidate, Hon. Taofeek Abimbola Ajilesoro, beyond a reasonable doubt, and the petition was dismissed in its entirety. Consequently, the Tribunal declared Hon. Taofeek Abimbola Ajilesoro of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the duly elected candidate with the highest lawful votes, in the last General election.
The decision of the 3-panel judges of the election tribunal struck out the prayer of the petitioners on the forgery of Honourable Taofeek Abimbola Ajilesoro’s Primary School Leaving Testimonial.
The petitioners claimed in their petition that Hon. Ajilesoro is not qualified to contest the election because his Testimonial read Osun State while he graduated in 1991 when Osun State was not yet created.
The 3-man panel of judges led by Hon. Justice Ado Y. Birnin Kudu, Hon. Justice Ngozi L. Oyeka, and Hon. Justice Jibril Z. Umar declared that the petitioners, APC, and Mr. Adereti failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
The petitioners’ witness, who is the present Headmistress of the Primary school, claimed under oath that Hon. Ajilesoro attended St. Morumba Primary School and also declared to be the originator of the said testimonial and thereafter appends its authenticity.
Also, Hon. Justice Ado Y. Birnin Kudu declared that the issue is a pre-election matter and that the Petitioner ought to have gone to the High Court to prove his case before the election.
Furthermore, Hon. Justice Ado Y. Birnin Kudu declared that the age declared by the second respondent, Hon. Ajilesoro is in line with the affidavit he tendered before the INEC and Tribunal. However, Hon Ajilesoro complied with the electoral regulations guiding the age and minimum level of education any candidate must possess.
The Judges in their unanimous decision further stated that the petitioners’ witnesses have no shreds of evidence to back up their claims on the February 25th, 2023 House of Representatives election for error of BVAS machine during electorates accreditation, Overvoting and or the election results from various units, wards and Local Government of Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, and Ife South.
Hon. Justice Ado Y. Birnin Kudu, in their unanimous judgment, declared that there wasn’t any complaint of disruption of the election process or election violence or election intimidation by the petitioner’s party agents or witnesses. It was proved by both the petitioners’ witnesses and the second respondent’s witnesses that there was no record of casualties in the February 25th House of Representatives election.
The election was conducted in a conducive atmosphere, free and fair.
The 3-man panel of Osun State Election Tribunal, in their unanimous judgment, struck out all the Prayers of the Petitioners and tagged it frivolous and declared Hon. Taofeek Abimbola Ajilesoro has duly elected candidate for the February 25, 2023, House of Representatives Election.
The tribunal, in a unanimous decision, dismissed the petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Adereti Benjamin Kayode challenging Ajilesoro’s victory.
It agreed with Ajilesoro’s counsel, Barr. Bola Rasaq that Kayode’s petition failed and ought to be dismissed.
Kayode and the APC are 1st and 2nd petitioners in the petition marked EPT/OS/HR/02/2023.
Ajilesoro, the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Respondents.
The petitioners, through their counsel had filed petition challenged Ajilesoro’s victory on four grounds.
Firstly, they alleged that the election was invalid because of wrongful practice perpetuated by INEC in connivance with Ajilesoro and PDP through falsification, manipulation, and forgery of results by 3rd respondent.
They also alleged Ajilesoro of falsification of school leaving certificates, saying he’s not eligible to contest as of the time of conducting that election.
In an unanimous verdict delivered by Honourable Justice Ngozi Oyeke on behalf of others Hon. Justice Ado Yusuf Birnin-kudu (Chairman) and Hon. Justice Jibril Umar (member) dismissed the suit for failure of the petitioners to prove their case against the respondents.
According to the ruling, Ajilesoro’s PDP won the majority votes cast contrary to the claims of Kayode and APC in their petition.
The Tribunal also dismissed certificate forgery case against the lawmaker.
Reacting, Hon. Ajilesoro’s lawyer, Bola Rasaq said the judgement had affirmed the fact that court is the last of hope of the common people.
He commended the judges for the job well done and for making the truth to prevail and justice to stand.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Oluwole Jimi-Bada has extended his warmest congratulations to Hon. Ajilesoro on his victory.
“This momentous triumph not only reaffirms the authenticity of his electoral mandate but also underscores the immense trust and confidence reposed in him by the electorates,” Barrister Bada posited.
“Facing this legal challenge head-on, Hon. Ajilesoro’s unwavering commitment to the democratic ideals of justice and fairness shines brilliantly.” The eminent Hon. Oluwole Jimi-Bada, serving as the leading counsel employed by the Osun state PDP to masterfully present the case before the tribunal, takes immense pride in acknowledging Hon Ajilesoro’s dedication to upholding the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
“This victory signifies a significant milestone in Hon. Ajilesoro’s political journey, highlighting his adeptness in navigating the intricate landscape of governance. Moreover, it serves as a resounding testament to the unwavering support and trust bestowed upon him by his constituents.
“As we celebrate this historic achievement, we firmly believe that Hon. Ajilesoro’s continued service will further fortify our democratic institutions and usher in positive transformations within our community. Once again, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to him on this well-deserved triumph and eagerly anticipate his continued contributions to the progress of Ife Federal Constituency,” The Attorney General posited.
