Political Showdown: Ondo Governorship Tribunal Ready to Rule on Contentious Election!

Presided over by Justice Benson Ogubu, the tribunal set the date following the adoption of written addresses by both the petitioners and respondents, who presented arguments for and against the election results.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the governorship election.

However, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Agboola Ajayi, contested the election results at the tribunal, citing violations of electoral laws. Additionally, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) also challenged the outcome.

These opposition parties are seeking to have the election nullified, alleging widespread irregularities during the polls.

On the other hand, legal representatives for Aiyedatiwa, his deputy Dr. Olayide Adelami, INEC, and other respondents urged the tribunal to dismiss the petitions with substantial costs, arguing that the petitioners failed to prove any electoral malpractice or irregularity.

After hearing all submissions, the tribunal led by Justice Benson Ogubu fixed June 4 as the date for the final judgment on the petitions filed by the opposition parties.