PDP to challenge A’Court judgment at Supreme Court

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to challenge the ruling of the Appeal Court on the Osun State governorship election at the Supreme Court.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja had Thursday upturned the decision of the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal that declared PDP candidate, Ademola Adeleke, as the winner of the 2018 governorship election in the state.

But responding to the judgment, the national vice-chairman of the PDP, South-west, Eddy Olafeso, said the party shall approach the Supreme Court for final adjudication on the 2018 Osun State governorship election.

He stated this in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, adding that the PDP was shocked by the decision of the Court of Appeal on the matter.

He said, “We must say as a party in the matter, we are shocked at the premise upon which the said verdict is anchored. Therefore we are certainly thinking, and importantly, in conjunction with our candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, to exploit the only available option to us, by appealing against this decision to the Supreme Court.

“It is crucial for us to underscore our fervent belief that justice is the bedrock upon which our democracy rests squarely and without it, despotism shall reign unhindered.

“That will not be the portion of our dear nation. Thus we are determined to ensure that we pursue all actions that will give muscle to the electoral desires of the people of Osun State as validly expressed in that election.

“We restate that the APC did not fairly win that election and President Buhari gave this view credence when he publicly described the victory of his party as ‘remote controlled’, thereby confirming that power privileges were criminally abused by his government and party.”

He called on members of the PDP and the people of Osun State to maintain their coolness, assuring that the party will not relent in pursuing justice on the matter.

Also reacting via a statement, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the ruling will be challenged.

The statement read: “The PDP notes that the fact that the Court of Appeal had a split judgment indicates that justice was not fully served at the appellate court.

“It is instructive to state that the Court of Appeal did not contest or invalidate the fact that Senator Adeleke won the election but only cited technicalities and speculations to arrive at its decision.

“The PDP has also noted that the Court of Appeal failed to act on the full and substantial import of the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to produce the ballot papers and record of accreditation to disprove our position that INEC altered results and subverted the will of the people of Osun State.

“Our party and candidate are therefore confident that the Supreme Court will look at the merit of the matter and ensure that justice is served by recognising Senator Ademola Adeleke as Osun State governor.”
By Ebere Ndukwu …