Tribunal Affirms Oyebanji As Duly Elected Governor Of Ekiti, Dismisses  Oni’s Petition

By Ayodele Oni

The Ekiti Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Ado Ekiti has affirmed the victory of Mr Biodun Oyebanji as the validly elected governor in the June 21 Election in the state.

The tribunal sitting in Ado Ekiti,  chaired by Justice Wilfred Kpochi nullified the petition of Segun Oni, Candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP)  against Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

The Tribunal determined that the validity of the certificate or qualification of the 5th respondent (Afuye) remains unchallenged, as the petitioners were unable to prove that she presented a forged certificate.

The tribunal also dismissed the issue of corrupt practices in the election, stating that the petitioners did not call any witness from any polling unit or ward, and that the evidence presented by PW2 and PW3 was thrown out.

Additionally, the petitioners were unable to provide any evidence of non-compliance with the 1999 Constitution or the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022. It is crucial to uphold the rule of law and ensure that our judicial system upholds high standards.

“Challenging the candidacy of Oyebanji can be done by the members of the same political party.

The validity of the certificate or qualification of the 5th respondent (Afuye) remains unhurt. The petitioners have been unable to prove that she presented a forged certificate.”

“We dismiss the issue of corrupt practices in the election. The petitioners did not call any witness from any polling unit or ward.”

According to the tribunal, no case was established against Buni who served as caretaker chairman of the APC, no case against Afuye, the deputy Governor, no case against the unnamed APC agents.

“All the allegations raised are generic in nature, vague, nebulous, imprecise and lack specificity.”