4th October, 2023
By Adejoke Adeleye, Ogun
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described the verdict of the tribunal affirming the victory of Dapo Abiodun of All Progressive Congress, APC in the March 18 governorship election as as an injustice against democracy and the electorates who came out in their numbers to vote in Ogun March 18 2023 governorship election.
The Ogun chapter of PDP made this assertion at a press conference addressed by its chairman Hon Sikirulai Ogundele on last Saturday’s judgement of the three-man panel election petition tribunal.
Ogundele described the verdict of the tribunal as a miscarriage of justice while asserting that justice was not done to the petition filed by the PDP against the March 18, 2023 Governorship election which, according to him, his party won.
“Regrettably, the election result as announced by INEC falls short of what a credible election in a democratic society should portray. It was marred with several irregularities and infractions perpetuated by the assumed winner, the All Progressive Congress with the overt connivance of the electoral umpire,” Ogundele said.
While further expressing the party’s profound disappointment and concern regarding the judgment of the tribunal, Ogundele noted that the decision was wholly based solely on technicalities as the judges overlooked the substantial merits and critical pieces of evidence presented in our petition.
He said the tribunal failed to take allegations of vote buying, voter disenfranchisement, harassment, ballot box snatching, multiple thumb printing, overvoting, and marking of ballot papers with markers among other irregularities in the delivery of its judgment.
“In a democracy, it is paramount that the electoral process remains transparent, just, and accountable. Our decision to pursue legal action was driven by the need to ensure that the will of the people of Ogun State is upheld and that our democracy remains free from manipulation or irregularities. We entered this legal process with
the firm belief that justice would be served, and the truth Would to light.
“Shockingly, the Tribunal chose to focus on procedural technicalities, rather than engaging in a comprehensive and unbiased evaluation of the evidence and allegations presented in our petition. The issues we raised in our petition are of the utmost importance, as they concern the very heart of our democratic values. They reflect not only our concerns but also the concerns of the people of Ogun State who participated in the electoral process.
“Our petition contained detailed and compelling evidence of alleged over-voting, voters’ disenfranchisement, harassment of voters, and ballot box snatching, among other serious irregularities. These allegations were not frivolous: they were grounded in credible testimonies and substantial documentation. The people of Ogun State deserve an impartial and thorough examination of these claims to ensure that the electoral process remains untainted. The facts of the electoral fraud perpetuated by the APC and its candidate, Mr Dapo Abiodun are in the public domain.
“The memory of how armed thugs invaded several polling units under the supervision of emperor Dapo Abiodun still lingers and even the report of the police investigation that indicted key cabinet members of Dapo Abiodun in sponsoring thugs on election day is key evidence pointed to the poor election witnessed on the voting day.”
He assured the people of Ogun State that the party’s commitment to justice and principles of democracy remains unshaken.
Ogundele added that the decision of the Tribunal will not deter PDP from pursuing justice and protecting the rights and aspirations of their supporters and the citizens of Ogun State.
“We have decided to take this matter to the appellate courts, where we believe a more thorough and impartial assessment of the evidence and allegations will take place. We are resolute in our determination to ensure that the truth and the will of the people will prevail.
“We extend our gratitude to our supporters, who have shown resilience and unwavering faith in our cause. We call on all well-meaning citizens and stakeholders in Ogun State to join us in our quest for justice and in upholding the principles of democracy. Together, we will continue the fight for a brighter future for our beloved state.
“The Peoples Democratic Party thereby assures the people of Ogun State that the good governance they truly deserve will be realised in no distance time. We share their grief over the prevailing hardship as a result of the poor governance option the APC is offering. We will fight hard to restore power to the People of Ogun State,” Ogundele concluded.