PDP, APC Clash Over Appeal Court Verdict in Ondo Election Tribunal

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are at odds over the admissibility of an Appeal Court ruling in the ongoing Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

The disagreement arose on Saturday when the APC and its candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, attempted to submit the Appeal Court, Akure Division’s verdict as evidence before the tribunal in Akure.

According to Chronicles Reporters, the Appeal Court had, on January 28, dismissed a pre-election case filed by the PDP and its governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi. The appellants had contested an earlier ruling by the Ondo State High Court, which affirmed that Aiyedatiwa and his running mate, Olayide Adelami, were qualified to contest the November 16, 2024, governorship election.

The PDP and Ajayi argued that Adelami was ineligible to run, citing allegations that he had presented a forged certificate.

At the tribunal, the APC’s lead counsel, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), contended that the PDP had created a legal obstacle by including a disqualification argument in their petition, despite the Appeal Court having ruled on the matter.

“The PDP, not us, created a constitutional barrier. Continuing this trial would be a waste of judicial resources. If we proceed, we are effectively disregarding the Appeal Court’s decision,” Oyetibo stated.

Citing Section 287(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), he insisted that the tribunal was bound by the Appeal Court’s ruling and urged the petitioners to either withdraw their case or await the Supreme Court’s decision on their appeal.

Meanwhile, PDP’s counsel, Bankole Akomolafe (SAN), withdrew a relief seeking a fresh election but maintained the demand for Aiyedatiwa and Adelami’s disqualification over the certificate forgery allegation.

In response to APC’s position, Akomolafe argued that Section 287 of the Constitution should not be interpreted in isolation. He referred to Sections 285 and 286, which, he claimed, empower the tribunal to consider all objections and issues raised in the petition.

Presiding over the tribunal, Justice Benson Ogbu stated that a ruling on the matter would be delivered in the final judgment. The tribunal was adjourned until February 20 for the continuation of hearings.

It was further reported that five petitions were filed before the tribunal by various opposition parties and their candidates. Among them was the PDP, whose candidate, Ajayi, finished second in the November 16, 2024, election.

The tribunal, led by Justice Ogbu, has now concluded hearing all interlocutory applications and responses from counsels in the pre-hearing session.

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