Ondo Governorship Tribunal: Akeredolu Floors Jegede |The Source

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Akure has dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Eyitayo Jegede against Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Jegede had challenged the victory of the ruling APC and its candidate in the October 10, 2020 governorship election which saw the re-election of Governor Akeredolu for a second term in office.

Chairman of the Tribunal,  Justice Umar Abubakar had in another notice issued on Monday, shifted the judgement from tomorrow to today and through virtual.

Justice Abubakar in the virtual judgement, declared that“Issue raised therein in this petition are settled issue of internal affairs and Management of a political party which this Tribunal has no Jurisdiction.”

The petition was filed by PDP candidate in the election, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, who hinged his argument on the fact that the winner of the election, Governor Akeredolu was not validly nominated by his party.

However, the defence counsels had told the tribunal to dismiss the petition on several grounds.

According to the counsel to Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa, Akin Olujimi and that of the APC, Lateef Fagbemi, the petitioner had admitted in paragraph 12 of its petition the sponsorship of third and first respondents but failed to prove that they were not validly nominated.