Ondo State's Governorship Election Tribunal Delivers Verdict
Prepare for the Ruling on Contentious Election Outcome
Tribunal Prepared to Announce Decision on Ajayi's Challenge Against Aiyedatiwa's Success in Elections
The much-anticipated judgement of the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal is scheduled for today. The three-member panel, headed by Justice Benson Ogubu, has been dissecting the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Agboola Ajayi, who alleges irregularities in the November 16, 2024, election won by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Governor Aiyedatiwa's Victory Under Scrutiny
Aiyedatiwa, candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), was announced victor by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with a total of 366,781 votes, a clean sweep of all 18 local government areas in the state. Despite APC's celebration of the results as a strong display of support throughout Ondo State, the opposition parties are crying foul, claiming the election results were tainted by irregularities.
Ajayi Rejects Outcome, Approaches the Tribunal
Rejecting the election outcome, Ajayi, a former deputy governor of the state, petitioned the tribunal together with the PDP, citing alleged widespread electoral malpractices. The PDP is demanding a total cancellation of the results and a rerun of the election.
Other Challenge Aiyedatiwa's Legitimacy
Ajayi's petition is not the only one before the tribunal. The Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples' Movement (APM), and African Alliance (AA) have also lodged separate petitions questioning the legitimacy of the exercise. Each petitioner has highlighted concerns over voter suppression, manipulation of results, and non-compliance with electoral guidelines.
The Tribunal's Ruling
All eyes are on the tribunal as it weighs the evidence and delivers its verdict. The outcome will determine the fate of Governor Aiyedatiwa's tenure and potentially shake up the political landscape of Ondo State. Stay tuned for more updates.
Additional Insights
Agboola Ajayi's petition specifically accused Aiyedatiwa of widespread irregularities, inconsistencies in the WAEC certificate of the deputy (allegedly submitted to INEC), and Form EC25B non-compliance. However, the tribunal dismissed all petitions, stating that the petitioners failed to provide sufficient evidence and that there was no clear proof of non-compliance with electoral laws. The judgement effectively upholds Governor Aiyedatiwa's victory and reaffirms his mandate as the duly elected governor of Ondo State.
So, anticipation runs high as the tribunal delivers its judgment, which could either validate or challenge the election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The decision will undoubtedly spark reaction across the state and potentially reshape the political landscape of Ondo State. Keep an eye on this developing story for updates.
*** Recent Headlines in Ondo State:***- Ondo State Deputy Speaker, Akinruntan Resigns- Mother, Four Accomplices Arrested for Attacking Vice Principal over Exam Cheating- Thugs Allegedly Hired by Parents Beat Vice Principal for Preventing Cheating during WAEC Exam- Police Denies Ignoring Kidnapping Case of Afenifere Youth Leader, Alleges Inconsistencies- Date Set for Tribunal's Ruling on Ondo Governorship Election
- Despite ongoing allegations of irregularities in the WAEC certificates and formation EC25B non-compliance, the Ondo State Governorship Election Tribunal has dismissed Agboola Ajayi's petition, thereby upholding Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa's victory.
- The recent tribunal ruling on the contentious Ondo governorship election will likely foster political reactions across the state, potentially reshaping Ondo State's political landscape.
- Simultaneously, in the realm of general news, the police in Ondo State have denied ignoring a kidnapping case, attributing the issue to inconsistencies in the reporting process.
- Beyond the political sphere, two mother and four accomplices were arrested for their involvement in attacks on a vice principal over exam cheating in Ondo State.
- In related education news, a group of thugs, allegedly hired by parents, beat a vice principal for preventing cheating during the WAEC exam, creating a tense atmosphere in the region.
