The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has fired back at Agboola Ajayi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the last governorship election, over allegations that APC members had prior knowledge of the election tribunal judgment affirming Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s victory.
Ajayi, expressing disappointment with the tribunal’s June 4 ruling, claimed that celebrations by APC supporters on the streets of Akure prior to the official announcement suggested a leak of the verdict. He vowed to challenge the outcome at the Court of Appeal, citing lack of justice and failure to properly consider evidence submitted during the tribunal hearings.
“We feel disappointed that we didn’t get justice at that level, but we remain undeterred… We will pursue our appeal to ensure that honesty begins to prevail in our election process,” Ajayi stated in a release on Tuesday.
Tribunal Ruling Sparks Outrage
The three-member tribunal, chaired by Justice Benson Ogbu, unanimously dismissed Ajayi’s petition, citing incompetence, lack of merit, and diligence, and labelled the petition frivolous. The verdict sparked street jubilation among APC members, which Ajayi described as evidence of premeditated knowledge of the judgment.
APC Counters With Strong Rebuttal
In a swift response, the Ondo APC condemned Ajayi’s claim as a baseless assault on the judiciary’s integrity and an insult to the electorate’s will. In a statement signed by Steve Otaloro, the party’s Director of Media and Publicity, the APC demanded an unreserved apology from the PDP.
“Such insinuations not only undermine the hard work and dedication of the judiciary but also disrespect the democratic process that the electorate engaged in,” the statement read.
The APC accused the PDP of only respecting court rulings when they are in their favour, alleging that Ajayi’s statement reflected political bitterness and desperation.
“Their claims of judicial challenges are nothing more than a reaction to their electoral loss… Had the verdict favoured them, they would have undoubtedly lauded the very system they now seek to vilify,” Otaloro added.
Next Steps
Ajayi reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to pursuing justice through legal means despite what he described as the “obvious challenges the judiciary faces in Nigeria.”
He also urged party supporters to remain hopeful and steadfast, promising that the party would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice prevails in both Ondo State and Nigeria at large.
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