In the early hours of today, it was reported by Punch News and other notable media platforms that the Election Petitions Tribunal annulled the result of the July 16 Osun governorship poll.
At the hearing of the All Progressives Congress’ Adegboyegba Oyetola’s petition against the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Ademola Adeleke on Friday, Justice Tetsea Kume declared that the INEC did not comply substantially with the constitution and provision of the electoral act, hence the July 16 poll was annulled.
In reaction to the ruling, the Osun State Governor, Adeleke described the verdict of the tribunal as a clear miscarriage of justice. He faulted the resolution of the over-voting question in favour of Mr Adegboyega Oyetola.
In a video shared on his official instagram page, Adeleke assured the people of Osun that their mandate will not be stolen. He said it is still within his right to appeal the judgment in court.
“My good people of Osun State, I am still your Governor. I have the right of appeal on the chairman’s judgment and I have instructed my lawyers according. You gave me your mandate. Our elections remain valid and by the grace of God, we will triumph at last.” –he said.
Adeleke added that the claim of over-voting in the chairman’s judgment is unfounded, hence it is a miscarriage of justice. He further appealed to the people of Osun State to remain calm and law-abiding as they go about their normal activities peacefully.