Osun governorship: PDP, APC speak as Nigerians await Supreme Court judgement
- Supreme Court will give the final verdict on the Osun 2018 governorship election today, Friday, July 5
- Senator Adeleke of the PDP is challenging the victory of Governor Oyetola of the APC
- Ahead of the judgement, both parties expressed optimism of getting victory at the apex court, but while PDP said it will concede defeat if it loses, APC reportedly said it didn't plan for defeat
The ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have spoken on their expectations as Supreme Court gives the final verdict on the Osun governorship election.
The judgement will determine the legal occupant of the governor’s seat between Governor Isiaka Oyetola of the APC and Senator Ademola Adeleke of the PDP.
Recall that the PDP candidate in the September 22 and 27 elections, Senator Adeleke, had filed a petition at the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Osogbo to challenge the victory of Governor Oyetola.
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Adeleke claimed he polled the highest number of votes in the election and asked the tribunal to cancel Oyetola's victory and declare him the winner of the election.
The tribunal in its March 22 ruling declared Adeleke as the winner of the governorship election.
The tribunal said Adeleke won the election at the first ballot on September 22 and the rerun that INEC devised to reach a final conclusion a week later was illegal.
However, on May 9, the five-member panel of the appeal court upheld the victory of Oyetola as Osun state governor.
The panel led by Jummai Sankey delivered the judgement with three members of the panel agreeing with the lead judgement.
Adeleke thereafter took the matter to the Supreme Court for final legal redress.
As the apex prepares to give the final verdict today, Friday, July 5, the two parties expressed optimism, according to a report filed by Premium Times.
“We are highly hopeful. We believe in the rule of law. That is why we went to the tribunal to seek redress. We believe in the Supreme Court that is the highest body that looks at the point of law," the PDP chairman in the state, Soji Adagunodo said.
“We believe that what we have presented to the Supreme Court, the result will be given to Senator Ademola Adeleke and the PDP.
“Whatever, the court gives tomorrow is the final and becomes law for the future. The result will be favourable,” he said.
Similarly, the publicity secretary for Osun APC, Kunle Oyatomi, was quoted as saying: “We are expecting victory tomorrow. We have laid before the Supreme Court justices our very good case, well narrated and presented. It is a very simple thing. Elections held and INEC declared us winner.
“Oyetola is in Abere doing his job and for all it takes, he will remain there by the grace of God.”
“It is not only in Osun that we have this case of inconclusive election. So, to me and from the legal eye view, there is nothing to worry about,” he added.
However, while the PDP chieftain promised that the party will concede defeat if it goes the other way round, the APC publicity secretary said the party is not planning for defeat.
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Senator Adeleke pleaded with his supporters to be prayerful ahead of the ruling by the Supreme Court.
He also urged the supporters to go about their activities in peace.
This admonition is contained in a statement issued by his media consultant, Olumide Lawal.
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Osun Election 2018: I will surely win this election - Senator Adeleke | Legit TV
Source: Legit.ng
