Mimiko: ACN, PDP to appeal tribunal verdict

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Ondo State Chapter, has rejected the judgment of the Justice Andovar Kaka’an led Election Petition Tribunal which upheld the election of Gov. Olusegun Mimiko.

The party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Rotimi Agbede, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Akure that the ACN found the judgment surprising and would appeal against it.

“ACN finds it surprising that the tribunal could find accommodation in the judicial realm for the much vilified election widely condemned for non compliance with known norms of free and fair elections.

“It is rather unfortunate that the trial judges chose to close their eyes to the overwhelming oral and documentary evidences presented by the petitioners even when the INEC refused to defend itself.

“The ruling, no doubt, has put the judiciary on trial in the open court of the people who relied heavily on the courts to dispense justice without fear or favour,” Agbede said.

He said the party was taking solace because “this is just the first leg in the struggle to get justice for the people of Ondo State”.

Agbede, however, expressed gratitude to members of the legal team for their efforts and diligence while the case lasted.

“The party appreciates the uncommon loyalty and open show of support displayed by party members throughout the duration of the case.

“We also implore you not to despair by this immediate setback as there is a bright light at the end of this dark tunnel,” he said.

Similarly, Dr Olushola Oke, the People’s Democracy Party (PDP) candidate in the October 20, election , says Friday’s judgment of the Election Petition Tribunal is unacceptable.

Oke made the statement on Friday in Akure while addressing newsmen shortly after the judgment was delivered.

“The judgment constitutes a brazen defeat of the expectations of the people of Ondo State who had desired light after four years of total darkness.

“The judgment remains unacceptable to me and the good people of Ondo State.

“I have accordingly directed our legal team to study the judgment with a view to subjecting it to a review and reversal by a higher court.

“In the course of this struggle for the rescue of the good people of Ondo State from shackle of poverty, want, disease, unemployment and frustration, I have received tremendous support from my teeming supporters,” he said.

Oke, however, appealed to his supporters to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses peacefully as “as there is surely a light at the end of the tunnel”.