The Ondo State Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Akure has dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Eyitayo Jegede against Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Jegede had challenged the victory of the ruling APC and its candidate in the October 10, 2020 governorship election which saw the re-election of Governor Akeredolu for a second term in office.
The chairman of the three-member panel Justice Umar Abubakar while delivering judgement virtually struck out the petition of Eyitayo Jegede of the PDP for want of Jurisdiction and lack of merit.
According to him “Issue raised therein in this petition are settled the issue of internal affairs and management of a political party which this Tribunal has no jurisdiction to entertain such matter.
The tribunal ruled that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his Deputy Lucky Aiyedatiwa were duly nominated and sponsored by the APC in line with section 177 of the constitution and section 31 of the electoral Act.
Justice Abubakar noted that no extra cost will be put on any parties in the petition as parties would be made to bear their costs.
The Chairman of the Tribunal added that copies of the judgment would be made available to concerned parties.
The virtual judgment monitored by Radio Nigeria was also witnessed by the State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, his deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa, the petitioner, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, State Commissioner of Police and DSS headquarters in Abuja among others.
