By Ayodele Oni
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has congratulated the Senator representing Ekiti South, Yemi Adaramodu, on the Election Tribunal judgement, validating his electoral victory.
The former Governor, who described the victory as well-deserved, urged him to deliver on his electoral promises and learn from what lead to his victory and the fall of his opponent.
The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ilorin, on Monday, in its unanimous judgement dismissed the case filed by Senator Biodun Olujimi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) against the victory of Yemi Adaramodu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). For the records, Senator Olujimi was Fayose’s Deputy during his first term as Ekiti State Governor.
The case was filed by Senator Olujimi against Adaramodu, winner of February 25th, 2023, Ekiti South Senatorial District election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Adaramodu the winner of the poll with 77,621 votes, while the opposition PDP candidate and former Senate Minority Leader, Biodun Olujimi polled a total of 53,741 votes.
Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs in his immediate reaction to the ruling says ” I give God the glory over my victory at the Tribunal today “
Fayose called on politicians to always accept defeat where necessary, in the interest of democracy, adding that election is like a game of football, one team will always win, while the other will lose.
“The judiciary has done nothing but justice and I hail the judgement as it validated the wish of the people who voted for Adaramodu.
“To me, politics should not always be about party and individual’s interests, it should be about service to the people.
“Most importantly, we don’t all have to go to court after an election. But if we have gone to court, we should also be fair enough to accept the outcome. More so that there is still an opportunity to go the appeal Court.
“Therefore, on behalf of myself and my supporters, I congratulate him and urge him to remain faithful to his promises to his Constituency.”
But Olujinmi, in her reaction stated that “Another Day in Democracy. Today is another watershed in our quest for justice in democracy.
There’s no doubt that the tribunal sitting in Ilorin has given its verdict.
“There’s no cause for alarm as God is on the throne. I appreciate all the wonderful people that have prayed, travelled, journeyed back and forth. May God reward your labour of love. The lawyers were wonderful.
“I thank them for their insights and strong arguments. To my leaders and friends, I appreciate your concern and selflessness. The future is bright.
“Let me assure you that God is firmly on the throne. We will triumph!! Thank you all.”
