Politicians React to Akeredolu’s Victory

Politicians in Nigeria are reacting to the victory of Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, at the Supreme Court in Abuja. Four judges on Wednesday, upheld Mr Akeredolu’s victory against the dissenting judgement of three other justices.

The dismissal by the court, brings an end to the saga that ensued after the October 2020 Ondo governorship election.

Brief History of Aketi and Jegede’s Saga

Akeredolu gained a total of 292,830 votes and the highest number of votes in 15 of 18 local government areas. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Rotimi Akeredolu as the elected governor of Ondo State on October 10, 2020.

His PDP opponent, Eyitayo Jegede filed a petition at the Ondo state election tribunal. Jegede challenged the declaration of Rotimi Akeredolu as the winner of the election.

The petition included allegations of irregularities, violence and intimidation. It also faulted the election outcome that produced Akeredolu as the flag bearer for APC.

Tribunal Dismisses Petition

The Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Akure via Zoom in April 2021, dismissed Jegede’s petition, for lacking merit and want of jurisdiction.

According to the chairman of the three-member panel, Justice Umar Abubakar: “The issues raised by the PDP in the petition can be settled internally by the management of the political party which the tribunal has no jurisdiction over”.

Court of Appeal Decision

In the same vein, the court of appeal sitting in Akure dismissed the petition filed against Akeredolu for lack of merit. This was the lead judge, Theresa Orji-Abadua’s verdict.

“The counsel to Jegede, Oyeachi Ikpeazu had approached the appellate court, stating that the nomination of Akeredolu by his party was unconstitutional.”

This came after the election tribunal led by Umar Abubakar ruled out the petition against the APC candidate. Affirming that the qualification of the candidate and his deputy were not a pre-election matter. But a constitutional one far away from the tribunal’s jurisdiction.

Supreme Court’s Verdict

On July 28, the seven members of the Supreme Court led by Mary Odili struck out the case. This brought an end to the long drawn saga that ensued after the Ondo State gubernatorial election in 2020.

While reacting to the victory in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Governor Akeredolu claimed that he just heard the news of the supreme court verdict filed by Eyitayo Jegede. He refers to his opponent as a brother.

Akeredolu said; “I have every reason to praise and appreciate God and the judiciary. For not deviating from the truth and yielding to any influence or intimidation”.

According to the Governor; “This is another avenue for us to get on board, and do more work for the people of Ondo state.” He thanked the INEC team led by Charles Edosanwan and Bawa (SAN), Akinola Olujimi(SAN), and also thanked the APC team led by Lateef Fagbemi, Olusola Oke (SAN), and others”.

Akeredolu continued, “I don’t doubt his love for the state. He has served here before as Attorney General for over 7 years. Let him come over, let us work together for the state”.

Ondo State APC chairman, Engineer Ade Adetimehin described the Supreme court verdict as a true judgment. A statement by the party’s publicity secretary, Alex Kalejaiye states, ”The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo commends the Honourable Justices of the Supreme Court for a sound and faultless judgment on the state governorship election petition”.

President Buhari Congratulates Governor Akeredolu

President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) congratulated Governor Rotimi Akeredolu for the supreme court victory. Buhari made this known in a message released by his spokesperson, Femi Adesina on Wednesday in Abuja. He enjoined the governor and other elected leaders of the governing party to endeavour to always place the citizens first in their development programs and projects.

Leaders Felicitate With Aketi

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu is amongst numerous other leaders around the country who have fecilitated with Akeredolu on the supreme court victory.

Jegede And PDP Accept Defeat

Speaking after the verdict. Mr Eyitayo Jegede in a statement noted that he has accepted the outcome of the court with joy.

“Now that we have explored the grievance procedure permitted by the constitution and the law, it is time to give glory to God. The outcome of the judgment should not deter good and well meaning individuals from aspiring for leadership positions in the state and country. For all our people who have stood strong, we salute you. With this outcome, our respect and reverence for the judiciary and our justices of the supreme court has not diminished. I congratulate Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN”.

The PDP Publicity Secretary in Ondo State, Kennedy Peretei noted that the party has accepted the court verdict.

The statement reads;

“The Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State and its candidate have accepted the verdict of the supreme court being the apex court in the land. PDP wishes to encourage all our party supporters to remain steadfast and be consoled that; we fought a good fight, from the beginning to the end.”

Congratulations to the winner, Governor Akeredolu and also to the loser, Mr Jegede for graciously accepting the outcome of the supreme court’s verdict.