Ondo election tribunal: 149 witnesses to testify — Justice Ogbu

The Ondo State Election Petitions Tribunal, has begun hearing petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), challenging the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the November 16th, 2024 gubernatorial poll.

The tribunal, led by Justice Benson Ogbu, during their inauguration on Friday at the State High Court, however, disclosed that a total of 149 witnesses would testify.

The PDP, as the main petitioner, has assembled 43 witnesses to back its claims of electoral malpractice, the INEC, 19 witnesses, Aiyedatiwa would call 32 witnesses while APC and Adelami would call 20 and 35 witnesses respectively.

The PDP, its candidate, Agboola Ajayi had through their counsel, Ishaka Dikko filed petition against the election that produced Governor Aiyedatiwa of the APC as the winner.

BusinessDay reports that some petitioners are asking the Election Petition Tribunal to invade the November 16 governorship election on the ground that the election results did not reflect the wishes of the electorate and that the APC candidates were not qualified for the polls.

However, the respondents in their replies said the issue of qualifications have been determined at the Federal High Court and the Federal Court of Appeal. They asked the Tribunal to dismiss the petitions.

At the tribunal to represent the petitioners were Ishaka Dikko and Bankole Joy Akomolafe, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) while Charles Edosan, Bode Olanipekun, H.O Afolabi and Tayo Oyetibo SAN represented the respondents including INEC, APC, Aiyedatiwa and Adelami.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who spoke with journalists after the sitting, described the election as historic, noting that his sweeping victory across all 18 local government areas was a testament to the electorate’s trust in his leadership.

“The election was free, fair, and credible. For the first time in our history, a candidate won in all 18 local government areas. That speaks volumes about the confidence the people have in my leadership.

“There is nothing to worry about. The election was peaceful as recorded one of the most peaceful, credible and transparent elections in Nigeria recent time. Sitting at the election tribunal is a way listening to what oppositions are trying to say.

“You know learning is a continuum, even as a governor, I still want to learn about what is going on in the judiciary arm of government especially having the crème party crème in legal profession sitting also in the panel are well learned justices. It is an exercise to me and I want to be part of it. There is nothing to worry about.”

Justice Ogbu, however, assured all parties involved in the petition matters of fair hearing and appropriate justice.

Ogbu, who asked for the cooperation of all counsel in the matter said that the overall best interest would be based on prevalence of constitution.

The tribunal, however, adjourned to February 10 for further proceedings, with witness testimonies and evidentiary submissions expected to commence in earnest.