As tension builds across the Sunshine State, today’s verdict could either uphold the APC’s hold on power or throw the state into fresh political uncertainty.
All eyes are on Akure today as the Ondo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal delivers its much-anticipated judgment on the disputed November 16, 2024 poll.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), faces a major legal challenge from Hon. Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties.
The three-member tribunal panel, led by Justice Benson Ogbu, with Justices Daurabu Sikkam and Imelda Etiape, will rule on petitions alleging massive irregularities and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
Ajayi, backed by PDP lawyers Ishaka Dikko and Bankole Akomolafe, is seeking the nullification of Aiyedatiwa’s victory, claiming the election was neither free nor fair.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) have also filed similar petitions.
Defending the election outcome, Aiyedatiwa, his deputy Dr. Olayide Adelami, and INEC have maintained that the petitions lack substance.
Their legal team, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), has urged the tribunal to dismiss the cases.
As tension builds across the Sunshine State, today’s verdict could either uphold the APC’s hold on power or throw the state into fresh political uncertainty.
Stay tuned for the tribunal’s decision.
