By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are set to present a total of 149 witnesses before the Election Petition Tribunal sitting on the outcome of the November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State.
The PDP and its candidate, Hon Agboola Ajayi, have challenged the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC, arguing that the election results did not reflect the will of the electorate and that the APC candidates were unqualified to contest the polls.
The petition, filed through counsel Ishaka Dikko, is one of several brought before the tribunal, with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) also contesting the election outcome.
The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Benson Ogubu and supported by Justices Daurabu Sikkam and Imelda Etiape, has been tasked with determining the validity of the election results.
The respondents, including INEC, APC, Aiyedatiwa, and his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, argue that questions surrounding qualifications have already been resolved by the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, urging the tribunal to dismiss the petitions.
At the inaugural sitting and pretrial conference, attended by Governor Aiyedatiwa, his deputy, and several top politicians, the tribunal urged senior lawyers to ensure a smooth trial process.
Representing the petitioners were counsels Ishaka Dikko and Bankole Joy Akomolafe (SAN), while the respondents had legal representation from Charles Edosan, Bode Olanipekun, H.O. Afolabi, and Tayo Oyetibo (SAN).
During the pretrial conference, all parties agreed on the number of witnesses to be called, with the PDP presenting 43, INEC 19, Aiyedatiwa 32, the APC 20, and Adelami 35.
Justice Ogubu assured all parties of a fair hearing, emphasising that the tribunal’s rulings would be based strictly on constitutional provisions.
He cautioned counsel against preempting the tribunal’s decision or making premature statements to the press.
He further announced that recording or photographing tribunal proceedings, including capturing the faces of the justices, would not be permitted, advising anyone with concerns to seek clarification from the tribunal’s secretariat.
The tribunal set February 10 as the deadline for all parties to submit applications, preliminary objections, and legal replies to ensure a timely trial.
Following the proceedings, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed confidence in the legitimacy of his election victory, dismissing concerns over the petitions.
He described the election as one of the most peaceful and credible in recent Nigerian history and viewed the tribunal hearings as an opportunity to observe the legal process firsthand.
He stated that he had nothing to fear, as the legal challenge was simply a democratic exercise allowing the opposition to air their grievances.
