By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Ondo State Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Akure on Tuesday dismissed the petition filed by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede, against the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rotimi Akeredolu, who was returned re-elected last October.
Chairman of the three-member panel, Justice Umar Abubakar, ruled that the court did not have jurisdiction over the issues raised by Jegede and the PDP.
“Issue raised therein in this petition is the settled issue of internal affairs and management of a political party which this tribunal has no jurisdiction,” the judge ruled.
The Ondo State governorship poll was held on October 10, 2020.
The Tribunal upheld Akeredolu’s re-election and dismissed Jegede’s petition for lack of jurisdiction and merit
Justice Abubakar, however, ruled that parties in the case would bear their respective costs.
The chairman of the tribunal added that copies of the judgment would be made available to concerned parties
Responding on behalf of the 2nd and 3rd respondents, one of the counsels, Mr. Remi Olatubora commended members of the tribunal for their diligence, depth of jurisdiction and for tolerating counsel throughout the period of trial.
The virtual judgment was witnessed by the state governor, Akeredolu, his deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa, the petitioner, Jegede, State Commissioner of Police and DSS headquarters in Abuja among others.
