Assembly Poll: PDP,APC share Victories in Ondo Tribunal

The elections petition tribunal sitting in Akure on Monday upheld the election of PDP Ondo state house of assembly member, representing Idanre state constituency ,Mr Festus Akingbaso.

APC candidate,Mr Smart Omotadowa had petitioned the election of Mr Akingbaso alleging fraudulent practices and non compliance with electoral act in the election conducted on the 9th March, 2019.

Reading the judgment, the tribunal Chairman, Justice Nuhu Adi dismissed petition on the ground that the petitioner refused to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt and inability to substantiate the evidences before the court.

Justice Adi maintained that the evidences before the court have no probative value and unsubstantiated, hence the dismissal.

Similarly, the Tribunal also dismissed the petition filed by Mr Tajudeen Falana of the Action Alliance, AA against the election of Mr Bankole Felemu Gudu of the APC representing Akoko Southwest State Constituency 2.

In a judgment read by Justice M.A. Akano, the tribunal noted that the petitioner dumped evidences before the court with no witness to speak to them.

Justice Akano noted that the petitioner failed to link the evidences with their claims in the submissions.

The tribunal therefore dismissed the petitions and affirmed the election of Mr Felemu Gudu.

meanwhile ,The lawmaker representing Idanre Constituency 2, Mr Festus Akingbaso of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has described the judgment of the election petition tribunal that upheld his election as good for democracy and affirmed believe in the judiciary process.

Mr Akingbaso through his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Mr Boye Akinrinlola stated that the judgment has vindicated him and confirmed his election as the mandate of the people.

Mr Akinrinlola in a reaction to the outcome of the tribunal called for collaboration from his opponent from the APC, Mr Omotadowa to move the constituency forward rather than engaging in an unfruitful legal battles.

In another development, Counsel to Mr Bankole FelemuGudu, the lawmaker representing Akoko Southwest State Constituency2, , Mr Henry Akingbesote described the judgment upholding the election of his client as commendable.

Mr Akingbesote noted that the ruling had proved his client as the lawfully elected member of the Ondo State house of Assembly.

On his part, counsel to Mr Tajudeen Falana, candidate of the Action Alliance, AA, Mr Wole Otetubi stated that his client would study the judgment and necessary steps would soon be taken.