Agboola Ajayi, the candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party in the Ondo State governorship election, has filed a petition at the Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal to contest the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Ajayi, who came second in the November 16 election, expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, alleging that the election was a “miscarriage of democracy.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress the winner, with 366,781 votes, compared to Ajayi’s 117,845 votes.
Ajayi filed the petition 24 days after the election, although he declined to disclose the specific grounds for his challenge.
Ajayi described the election result as unjust, accusing INEC of failing to act impartially and alleging manipulation of the electoral process, particularly concerning using the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System.
He called for amendments to the Electoral Act to ensure a transparent and tamper-proof system.
Despite concerns about the judiciary’s integrity, Ajayi expressed confidence in the tribunal’s ability to deliver justice.
He said that the PDP was committed to restoring the integrity of Ondo State’s democracy and ensuring the people’s mandate was upheld.
Earlier, a Federal High Court in Akure dismissed Ajayi’s suit, challenging Aiyedatiwa’s qualification, citing procedural errors and lack of jurisdiction.
However, Ajayi’s legal team has now taken the matter to the election tribunal, seeking a fair resolution.
