PDP’s Agboola rejects Ondo guber election results, plans court action

The 2024 Ondo State Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Agboola Ajayi, has rejected the election results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Ayo Fadaka, Ajayi declared his intention to challenge the outcome at the election tribunal.

Ajayi explained that his initial silence following the declaration was to allow time for a thorough investigation into alleged acts of criminality he claims were committed by the victorious All Progressives Congress (APC) and INEC.

He said: “We have uncovered lots of actions undertaken to compromise the electoral desires of the people and sadly conclude that democracy cannot thrive in an environment where unabated criminality is perpetually perpetrated in the prosecution of an election by the agency(INEC) saddled with the onerous and sacred responsibility to protect our franchise and deliver its mandate at the end of every election.

“November 16th election, like every other election conducted by INEC since APC assumed power in 2015 continues in the tradition of hijacking the process and delivering results that are diametrically in contrast with expressed electoral desires, thus resulting in promoting voters’ apathy and total disenchantment with the electoral process.

“While not divulging the nature and extent of the results of our investigations for now, our only prayer is that those who possess the privileges to determine the fate of people and nation should begin to live up to expectations and fear God in the interest of our nation, its wellness, peace and tranquility, else they be reduced to same level of criminals and bandits, who continuously lay landmines that undermine the progress of our nation.

“We particularly call on the Judiciary to brace up and perform the sacred and onerous responsibilities to guarantee the portability of justice to people and institutions that seek it, the nation and people will appreciate that.

“Nigeria is currently described as a failed state, it is our prayers that it is revived, re-birthed and resounding again as a nation that will not only hold promises of a better day for its people but actually deliver on the same.

“Thus honesty must propel institutions and government, else revolt will one day dictate unwholesome developments that will portent dire consequences.

“In summary, we reject the results of the November 16 election and will take legal actions to reverse the debauchery. That is the option available to us and we are hopeful that man and God who is the ultimate will give us justice. It is time we begin to eschew criminality from our electoral process.”

IDA lauds Aiyedatiwa’s victory

Meanwhile, a foremost socio-cultural group in Idanre, the Idanre Development Assembly, IDA, has congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his victory.

The group in a letter addressed to the governor by its President-General, Dr Anthony Omolola, described Aiyedatiwa’s victory as a clear demonstration of the fact that the people of Ondo State are solidly behind him.

“You have made history in Ondo State by winning the 18 local government areas in the governorship election, hence the task before you is enormous but I believe with God and the support of the good people of Ondo State, you will succeed.

“Let me use this opportunity to commend and thank you for your promise to dualise Akure-Idanre road, which will boost the huge untapped tourism potentials in Idanre with positive consequences on the community and the state in general.” the letter read in part.

Aiyedatiwa’s victory, a good omen —Kayode, Ex-Defence minister

Also, former Defence Minister, Tokunbo Kayode, SAN, has described the victory of governor elect as a good omen for the people of the state.

His words: “ This is a good omen for the people of Ondo State as there would be tremendous development in all sectors in the state. Our people expect this.

“I also want to commend INEC as well as the security agencies for efficient implementation of the constitutional guidelines in the conduct of the election.”

While congratulating the people of the state for voting for Governor Aiyedatiwa, he said the outcome of the election was true reflection of the people’s will and it validated the acceptability of Aiyedatiwa.

Victory’s well deserved —Ojogo, Adefarati

Two members of the House of Representatives, Hon Donald Ojogo representing Ileja/ Ese- Odo Federal Constituency and Hon Adegboyega Adefarati, representing Akoko South East/ Akoko South-West constituency, described the victory of the Governor- Elect as well deserved.

Ojogo said the election results validated the people’s love and appreciation of Aiyedatiwa’s dedication and hard work. “This massive turnout is a reciprocal gesture by the Arogbos for the kindness and support they received from the people of Ilaje in the previous election, which led to Hon. Ojogo’s historic win as the first Arogbo to occupy a seat in the House of Representatives in Abuja.”

Also, Adefarati in a congratulatory message, commended the people of Ondo State for reposing their trust in Aiyedatiwa’s leadership to steer the state towards greater prosperity for another four years.

He noted that the victory is not just a testament to the Governor’s outstanding leadership but also an affirmation of his unwavering commitment to the development and well-being of the people.

Results reflects people’s will —Foreign observer group

Meanwhile, a foreign observer group, International Police Chaplain Sustainable Development and Law Enforcement Inc. USA, said that the results of the election truly reflected the records of the ballot boxes at the polling units.

Its spokesperson and Director of Administration and Organisations at the African Regional Command, Mr. Oscar David, said this while presenting its assessment of the poll

David urged candidates and political actors to resort to legal channels in case of contestation and disagreement to sustain social peace and avoid breakdown of law and order.

He said that the election was very peaceful, transparent, credible and successful, with minimal incidents and complaints by party agents at polling units and collation centres.