The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, has said that he trusts the election tribunal to fairly adjudicate their case against both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who was declared winner of the election.
Consequently, he announced on Monday that he had filed a petition at the Election Petition Tribunal challenging the exercise.
Addressing newsmen in Akure, the state capital, Ajayi stated that the PDP in the state had reviewed the outcome of the election and decided to approach the tribunal to challenge the results, which, according to him, did not reflect the will of the people.
Expressing hope that the tribunal would deliver justice, Ajayi said, “Since the election, our party has refrained from making public comments to allow time for a comprehensive review of the events that transpired on election day.
“After careful analysis, we have come to express our gratitude to the people of Ondo State for their confidence in us and the maturity they displayed during the elections, despite provocations.
“There were accusations that our people sold their votes or were compromised. Let it be clear that the will of the people was not for sale.
“The sadness and disappointment witnessed after the election reflect their discontent with the outcome, which we believe was a miscarriage of democracy orchestrated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Despite our previous warnings and even legal action to ensure neutrality within INEC, the institution, unfortunately, failed to act impartially.”
He, however, added, “The election results, as declared, do not reflect the aspirations of the people of Ondo State.
“The declaration of Aiyedatiwa as the winner by INEC was met with widespread dissatisfaction, as evident in the mood that followed.
“Our party has taken the lawful step of filing a petition at the electoral tribunal. While we will refrain from discussing the case in detail, I assure you that we remain committed to pursuing justice. Our people are educated, resilient, and determined to see democracy upheld.”
Expressing his confidence in the judiciary, the PDP governorship candidate said, “Despite concerns about the judiciary’s integrity, we maintain confidence in its ability to deliver justice.
“We are optimistic that the tribunal will fairly adjudicate our case. The judiciary remains a critical institution in preserving democracy, and we urge it to rise to this challenge.”
Ajayi also charged the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act to ensure a transparent and tamper-proof electoral process.
He called on the National Assembly to consider and initiate electronic voting to curb electoral malpractices.
Speaking against the backdrop of the last governorship election in the state, Ajayi said the adoption of an electronic voting system would save the country from the problems that have plagued elections in Nigeria.
According to him, the electronic voting system is more transparent, credible, and reliable, maintaining that Nigeria is ready for electronic voting in its elections.
“We want to call on the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act to ensure a transparent and tamper-proof electoral process.
“The use of BVAS, as currently implemented, has been exploited for manipulation, and we urge its re-evaluation ahead of future elections.”
He appreciated the people of the state and leaders of the party at the regional and national levels for their support, saying, “Your support has been invaluable. Ondo State deserves leaders chosen freely and fairly by the people.
“We are determined to restore the integrity of our democracy and ensure the people’s mandate is upheld.”
