Ondo Guber: Agboola Ajayi Challenges Aiyedatiwa’s Victory, Files Petition at Tribunal

Chief Agboola Ajayi, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the November 16 Ondo State governorship election, has taken legal action to challenge the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Ajayi has filed a petition at the election tribunal, describing Aiyedatiwa’s win as a “sham” and claiming that the election was a “miscarriage of democracy” orchestrated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In his first public statement since the election, Ajayi explained that his party had taken time to review the election’s outcome before deciding to challenge the results. He emphasized that the PDP believes the election results did not reflect the true will of the people of Ondo State.

Ajayi stated, “Since the election, our party has refrained from making public comments, allowing time for a thorough review of the events. After careful analysis, we are challenging the results because the election was not a true reflection of the people’s wishes.”

The PDP candidate vehemently rejected accusations that voters in Ondo sold their votes, describing such claims as unfounded. He insisted that the election outcome did not reflect the people’s will and was marred by serious irregularities. Ajayi noted that the dissatisfaction with the results was widespread and echoed across the state.

Despite warnings and legal actions urging INEC to act impartially, Ajayi argued that the commission’s failure to maintain neutrality led to a fraudulent election outcome. “The declaration of Aiyedatiwa as the winner was met with widespread dissatisfaction across Ondo State,” he said. “Our party has taken the lawful step of filing a petition at the tribunal, and we are committed to ensuring justice is served.”

Ajayi expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to fairly handle the case, despite concerns about its integrity. He stressed the importance of the judicial system in upholding democracy, urging the tribunal to remain impartial. “We are optimistic that the tribunal will fairly adjudicate this case, as the judiciary is critical in preserving the integrity of democracy,” Ajayi remarked.

Further calling for electoral reforms, Ajayi urged the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act to enhance the transparency and reliability of the electoral process. He proposed the adoption of electronic voting to curb electoral malpractice and restore confidence in Nigeria’s elections. “Nigeria is ready for electronic voting,” he said, adding that the current system, including the BVAS (Biometric Voter Accreditation System), has been manipulated in ways that undermine its credibility.

Ajayi concluded his statement by thanking the people of Ondo State and his party’s leadership for their unwavering support. “Your support has been invaluable. Ondo State deserves leaders chosen freely and fairly by the people,” he said. “We are committed to restoring the integrity of our democracy and ensuring that the people’s mandate is respected.”