Tribunal upholds election of PDP House of Reps member in Oyo

From Oluseye Ojo,  Ibadan

National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Ibadan, the Oyo capital, has upheld the election of Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character, Adebayo Adepoju, representing Ibarapa Central/North federal constituency of the state, as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The panel dismissed the petition filed by Ajibola Muraina, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he filed against Adepoju of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for being frivolous and lacking merit.

It also awarded N1.5 million substantial cost against Muraina, comprising N500,000 each to the trio of Adepoju, PDP and INEC. The results of the election showed that Adepoju polled 12,884 votes to defeat his closest rival, Muraina who scored 12,121 votes.

In the petition, Muraina had alleged non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act and over-voting in favour of Adepoju in the February 25 general election. The tribunal, however, held that the petitioner was unable to establish the complaint in the petition and failed to prove the petition as it was.

Reacting to the judgement, Adepoju expressed his appreciation to God for making it possible for the judgment to be fair and just. He extended his gratitude to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, the leadership of PDP, both at the state and local levels, as well as Seye Famojuro, and the entire constituents of Ibarapa Central/North federal constituency.

The PDP chairmanship candidate for Ibarapa Central Local Government for the April 2024 council poll in the state, Sola Adeleke, has congratulated the lawmaker, PDP family in the constituency and Oyo State on the verdict. He described the verdict of the tribunal as victory for democracy, saying the judgment was evident that PDP remained the party to beat in Ibarapa zone and Oyo State.

Adeleke urged the public to have faith in the PDP’s triumph in the forthcoming local government election, instilling confidence in the hearts of the people by guaranteeing them victory.

Meanwhile, some supporters of the party have commended Adeleke for his unwavering confidence, saying his confidence in PDP’s ability to succeed demonstrated his commitment to the cause. They said his call on the people to remain steadfast and hopeful serves as a rallying cry for the party’s supporters, especially on the cusp of such a crucial election.