The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria has presented Certificates of Return to Ondo State Governor-elect, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, following their victory in the state’s governorship election.
The ceremony, held at INEC’s headquarters on Tuesday, November 20, 2024 was attended by prominent dignitaries, including the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and members of the party’s National Working Committee.
The certificates were presented by INEC National Commissioner for Ondo State, Prof. Kunle Ajayi. In his acceptance speech, Aiyedatiwa, joined by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, expressed gratitude to the electorate.
“The mandate you have just renewed via your huge votes across the 18 LGAs where we won convincingly has placed a burden on me to serve you better than I did before now,” Aiyedatiwa stated.He commended INEC for conducting a credible election and praised President Bola Tinubu for ensuring a level playing field for all parties.
However, the election victory faces a legal challenge. On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Akure reserved judgment in a case filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Agboola Ajayi, against Dr. Adelami over alleged discrepancies in his academic credentials.
Legal Challenge: PDP Seeks Disqualification of APC Candidates
The PDP and Ajayi claim that Adelami, Aiyedatiwa’s deputy, is ineligible due to inconsistencies in the names on his academic documents. The plaintiff alleged that Adelami used variations such as “Adelami Owolabi Jackson” and “Adelami Olaide Owolabi” on different certificates, rendering his candidacy invalid.
The case, initially filed in Abuja, was transferred to Akure for continuation. Ajayi’s counsel, M. Ndoka SAN, argued that these discrepancies violated the Electoral Act, requesting the disqualification of both Adelami and Aiyedatiwa as the APC’s candidates.
In response, Adelami’s counsel, Mr. Remi Olatubora, explained that the differences in the names were merely variations in arrangement and not evidence of fraud. He also questioned the PDP’s legal standing to file the suit, as they were not APC members.
Justice Toyin Adegoke has adjourned the matter, with the judgment date to be communicated later.
This ongoing case leaves the election result in a precarious position as both sides await the court’s verdict.
