Tribunal upholds Ajimobi election as Governor of Oyo State

The judgment was delivered on Tuesday by the Justice Mohammed Aliyu Mayaki-led election Petition Tribunal, amidst tight security around the premises of the sitting.

Consequently, the tribunal upheld the election of the incumbent governor having polled the majority of votes cast in the April 11belection. The other members, Justices Muhammed Karaye and J.E.Ikede also concurred.

Ibadan-Supporters of Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State went wild with jubilation yesterday as the state Governorship Election Petition Tribunal upheld his victory at the April 11, 2015 polls.

But the tribunal did not commence the pre-hearing session before Justice Obieze proceeded on retirement as a result of attaining 65 years.

He alleged irregularities and non compliance with the electoral act, citing the failure of the electoral officers to adhere strictly to the use of card readers for the election.

The tribunal further posited that the evidence adduced by the witnesses had no evidential value and the exhibits not related to petitioner’s case.

His election at the poll was challenged by the candidate of Accord Party, Senator Rashidi Ladoja. Ogunwole urged the tribunal to nullify Ajimobi’s election and declare his client as the victor of the election or order a rerun. But Ogunwole asked Olanipekun to provide a proof that Ladoja did not emerge through party primaries or the party did not conduct primaries.

According to Justice Mayaki, Adepoju’s self confession that he is a farmer of arable crops, makes whatever evidence he might have given before the tribunal on the election documents a mere personal opinion since he(Adepoju) is not an expert.

He joined APC, INEC and the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Rufus Akeju, as co-respondents.

The tribunal also threw out the objections raised by counsel to the respondents that the motion brought before the court by the appellant was not duly signed.