Ondo Tribunal Ruling: APC Demands Apology from Ajayi Over Alleged Verdict Leak Claim
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the last Ondo State governorship election, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, has alleged that members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had prior knowledge of the election tribunal’s verdict, citing their jubilant celebrations in Akure as evidence.
Ajayi, dissatisfied with the outcome, vowed to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal. On June 4, the Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal upheld the victory of APC candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. In a unanimous decision led by Justice Benson Ogbu, the tribunal dismissed petitions filed by Ajayi and others, labeling them incompetent, lacking in merit, and frivolous.
Following the judgment, APC supporters took to the streets in celebration, which Ajayi interpreted as a sign of foreknowledge of the ruling. In response, the APC condemned Ajayi’s allegation, describing it as an attack on the judiciary’s integrity and an insult to the electorate. The party, through its Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Steve Otaloro, demanded an unreserved apology to the judiciary and the voters.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ajayi reaffirmed his party’s intention to appeal, expressing concerns that the tribunal had not adequately evaluated the evidence and exhibits presented. He emphasized that the PDP remains committed to seeking justice and restoring credibility to Nigeria’s electoral process, despite challenges facing the judiciary.
The APC, however, dismissed Ajayi’s claims as baseless and politically motivated, accusing the PDP of only respecting judicial decisions when favorable to them. The party reaffirmed its belief that the tribunal’s verdict reflected the will of the people and urged the PDP to accept the outcome in good faith.
