The governorship candidates of Accord Party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) on Friday, submitted petitions against the victory of Dr Olusegun Mimiko of the Labour Party at the October 20 governorship election in Ondo state.
The petitions were submitted to the Secretary of the state Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, Mr. Yusuf Musa.
According to the three parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced Dr Mimiko as the winner of the election despite glaring irregularities.
The ACN candidate Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), in his 403-page petition demanded the outright nullification of the election, arguing that the governor was not duly re-elected by a majority of ‘lawful votes’.
This he claimed made the election to be invalid “by reason of corrupt practices and or non-compliance with provision of the Electoral Act.”
The former NBA chairman also added that they have found a good reason to head for the tribunal, expressing assurance that the election will be set aside and a rerun will be conducted.
The PDP’s candidate, Chief Olusola Oke, in his own petition, alleged electoral irregularities, manipulation of votes and outright falsification of results in some areas of the state.
He also asked the tribunal to nullify the election and conduct a fresh one or declare him the winner of the election.
Mr. Olawale Ojo of Accord Party alleged that INEC unlawfully excluded his name and the logo of his party from the ballot papers used for the election contrary to the 2010 Electoral Act.
A 20 member legal team, led by a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Akinlolu Olujimi, is representing Mr Akeredolu and his party. One of the legal team, Adekola Olawoye, claimed that there are about 117 witnesses that are ready to testify at the tribunal.
