The appeal court sitting in Akure has dismissed the petition filed by the candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2020 Ondo state Gubernatorial election, Eyitayo Jegede challenging the Victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Flag bearer, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Recall that the Independent National Electoral commission (INEC) declared Akeredolu the winner of the election held on October 10, 2020.
Akeredolu polled 292,830 votes to defeat Jegede, who polled 195,791 as announced by INEC.
The panel led by Justice Theresa Ngolika Orji-Abadua held that the appeal lacking in merit.
Meanwhile,The Ondo state Chapter of the People Democratic Party has indicated that it will challenge the judgment of the Appeal court at the Supreme Court.
This was contained in a statement by the State Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Ikantu Peretei.
The statement fully read;
“The Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State and candidate of the party at the October 2020 Gubernatorial election will challenge the Court of Appeal decision at the Supreme Court.
“In concluding her lead judgement, Hon. Justice Theresa Orji-Abadua said the Appeal was partially dismissed and partially allowed. To the ordinary man in the street, the judgement was “inconclusive” and we must approach the Supreme Court to help them conclude the judgement.
“The kernel of the Eyitayo Jegede/PDP petition was whether or not a gross violation of the 1999 Constitution (as Amended) should be allowed to stay. Whether or not Mai Mala Buni, as a sitting Governor of Yobe State can double as National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, to sign the Nomination of Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN for the Governorship election. While the Court of Appeal acknowledged that it was violation of the Constitution, it still went ahead to dismiss the appeal.
“We are still studying the details of the judgement, by virtue of the fact that it was delivered via Zoom. But we have sufficient grounds to appeal the decision of the Court. We are confident the Supreme Court which is the highest court in the land will do justice.” The statement concluded.
