APC, PDP in heated war of words over relocation of Election Tribunal to Abuja (READ THEIR FULL ARGUMENTS)

ELECTION PETITION TRIBUNAL: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the probe of the relocation of the Election Petition Tribunal from Osogbo to Abuja.

In a press statement signed by the state chairman, Soji Adagunodo, on Sunday asked the National Judicial Council to probe the ‘sudden’ relocation of the sitting of the tribunal to Abuja.

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The party described the relocation as “another sign that there is a desperate and evil plan by some forces to implement a pre-written script on the proceedings and outcome” of its petition before the tribunal.

The party said though it was not shocked by the development, “in view of the several boastings of prominent APC leaders to that effect in the last few weeks”, it was “very disappointing that a very important institution like the judiciary would allow itself to be cheaply manipulated by unscrupulous elements in the political space.”

“We believe that the decision to relocate the tribunal sitting to Abuja was also without any justifiable reason because there had been no reports on any security breach neither had there been any other cogent factor that could have necessitated the action.”

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The party said it was probable those who took the decision without consultation with counsel to the petitioners did so partly to prevent the people of the state from observing the proceedings of the tribunal and also to make it easier for federal authorities to influence its outcome.

“We want to remind honourable members of the Election Petition Tribunal of the dictum of the eminent jurist Niki Tobi JSC that ‘The true test of a fair hearing is the impression of a reasonable person who was present at the trial whether from his observation justice has been done’”.

Mr. Adagunodo added that apart from the court of public opinion which the conduct of the tribunal will be subjected to, “there is also a burden on the tribunal members to justify the expectations of God from those who hold such sacred offices and who are called upon to do justice without fear or favour.”

“On our part as a party, we will continue to invite the attention of the National Judicial Council, leaders of thought and the international community to the happenings in Osun State and state what these portend for the 2019 general elections in Nigeria and the stability of the country as a whole.

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“We are hopeful that the concerned persons and authorities will act speedily on this matter and restore the hope of the common man in Osun State in the judicial process as an aftermath of the last governorship election.”

In his reaction the Publicity Secretary of APC in Osun State by Kunle Oyatomi, he said the mandate remains with Gboyega Oyetola.

Oyatomi went further, “We in the APC have no objection to the relocation of the State’s Gubernatorial Election Petition Tribunal to Abuja. It is a legal process permitted by the law of Nigeria. We support the movement, so long it dispenses justice fairly and without favour.

“We like to point out to the PDP and its candidate, Sen. Ademola Adeleke that by the fact on the ground of the two elections, and the official and legitimate pronouncement of the results of those elections by INEC, the mandate of the people of Osun remains that of Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola and not for Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke; not as the PDP is claiming.”

“Unless and until that reality is overturned by the courts, the mandate for governorship of the state by Osun people remains that of the APC candidate, Alhaji Oyetola.
‘So, they should stop talking nonsense about a stolen mandate’.”

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The PDP candidate in the election, Senator Ademola Adeleke, filed a petition at the tribunal to challenge the victory of the governor-elect, Mr Oyetola.

Senator Adeleke, who claimed he polled the highest number of votes in the election, asked the tribunal to cancel the victory of Mr Oyetola, who will be sworn-in on November 27.
Senator Adeleke asked to be declared winner of the election which he initially led in until a controversial re-run election was held in seven polling units.

The re-run, whose conduct was criticised by local and international observers due to the extent of violence and intimidation witnessed, eventually secured victory for Mr Oyetola and the APC.

www.sojworld.com (c) November 11, 2018