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Guber poll: Ondo tribunal begins sitting

…as Aiyedatiwa defends victory, attends sitting

. Tribunal to hear PDP, SDP, ADC’s petitions

By Adedotun Ajayi

The Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, on Friday, commenced its proceedings with an inaugural sitting at the State High Court in Akure, marking the beginning of the legal battle over the outcome of the November 16, 2024, governorship election.

The tribunal, chaired by Justice Nelson Ugubu, is set to hear petitions from three opposition parties, namely; the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), all contesting the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The PDP, the main petitioner, has lined up 43 witnesses to support its claims of electoral irregularities.

Fielding questions from journalists after attending the tribunal’s first sitting on Friday, Aiyedatiwa dismissed allegations of malpractice, maintaining that the election was credible and a true reflection of the people’s will.

“The election was free, fair, and credible. The people of Ondo State made history by ensuring that, for the first time, a candidate won in all 18 local government areas. That alone speaks volumes about the trust and confidence they have in my leadership,” he said.

The governor also expressed his commitment to following the tribunal’s proceedings closely, stating that he saw it as an opportunity to observe the judiciary at work.

“And, you know, learning is continuous. Even though I’m the governor, I still also want to hear what is going on in the judiciary arm of government, particularly in this election petition. Having the legal professionals and the very competent justices on this panel, it’s an exercise for me. I just want to witness it and be part of it. There’s nothing to worry about,” he added.

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At the sitting, the tribunal announced that a total of 149 witnesses would testify in the hearings. The breakdown of witnesses includes:

43 from the PDP (Petitioner)

19 from INEC (Respondent 1)

32 from Respondent 2

20 from Respondent 3

35 from the APC (Respondent 4)

Legal representatives from both the petitioners and respondents presented preliminary arguments, setting the stage for what is expected to be an intense legal contest.

Aiyedatiwa, however, expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice, stating, “I respect the legal process, and I am confident that, in the end, the truth will prevail. The people of Ondo State have spoken, and their voices will not be silenced.”

The tribunal adjourned proceedings until February 10, when witnesses’ testimonies and evidentiary submissions are expected to be heard.

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Guber poll: Ondo tribunal begins sitting

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Guber poll: Ondo tribunal begins sitting

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