•Report by Kamil Opeyemi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the judgement of the Osun State Governorship Election Tribunal which sacked Governor Ademola Adeleke as governor of the state on the basis of over-voting.
The PDP, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary,Debo Ologunagba noted that the judgment of the Tribunal was in contrary to the “Will of the people of Osun State which was expressed by the overwhelming votes cast for our Party and Candidate at the election.”
“The July 16, 2022 Governorship election in Osun State was adjudged by Local and International Observers to be free, fair, transparent and clearly won by the PDP and our Candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke in confirmation of the wishes and aspiration of the people,”Ologunagba said in the statement
“The Will of the people of Osun State as expressed by electing Governor Adeleke must be respected. As a law-abiding Party, the PDP will explore all available legal means to restore the victory of our Party.
“The PDP charges the people of Osun State to be calm, remain at alert and continue to support Governor Adeleke as we restate our confidence in the Institution of the Judiciary to dispense justice in this matter at the Appellate Court.”
The tribunal in its judgement on Friday held that the governorship election was characterized by over-voting, adding that after deducting the excessive votes, Gboyega Oyetola’s figures rose to 314, 921, while Adeleke’s came down to 290, 266.
The Tribunal led by Justice Terste Kume,had instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Adeleke and his deputy, Kola Adewusi.
It also directed that the certificate of return be issued to Oyetola instead.