Updated: Adojutelegan Approaches Supreme Court Over Akeredolu’s Candidacy

One of the aspirants of the APC in the build up to the October 10, 2020 governorship election in Ondo state, Dr Nat Adojutelegan has again approached the supreme court in his bid to correct the wrongs done to him during the party’s primaries.

Adojutelegan is challenging the candidacy of the APC flag bearer, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

The lower and appellate courts had since dismissed his suit for lack of merit.

Determined to get to the root of the case, Adojutelegan said in a statement on Sunday that he has informed his lawyer to file an appeal at the supreme court.

The judgment of the supreme court which would be determined at a later date would be the final decision on the case.

“Win or lose, this is part of my contribution to society,” Adojutelegan said.

Below is the full statement:

The Federal High Court and Court of Appeal’s judgements were made per incuriam.

I have instructed my lawyer to appeal to the Supreme Court against the Court of Appeal’s judgment.

The courts misunderstood or misrepresented the facts of my case and employed the incorrect facts to reach conclusions.

False and misrepresented facts

    1.      That my complaint was about the use of the indirect mode of primary election,
    2.      That I ought to have filed his suit within 14 days from the day the electoral committee adopted the indirect mode of primary election on July 17, 2020.
    3.      That my challenge was against the list of delegates compiled in 2018 and used for the primary election in July 2020.

True facts

    1.      My complaint was that the delegates’ list used for the primary election violated section 87(7) and (8) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), Article 20 (iii) and (iv) (a), (b), (c) and (d) of the APC Constitution 2014 (as amended) and Electoral Guidelines. It was not about the use of indirect mode of primary election. 
    2.      My case was that the primary election held on 20/07/20 was marred by grave and substantial non-compliance with the spirit and purpose of the APC’s Constitution, Electoral Guidelines, and the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), which substantially affected the outcome of the primary election, that is the result declared on 21/06/20. My suit was filed within 14 days from the day the result was declared. 
    3.      My challenge was not against the list of delegates compiled in 2018 and used for the primary election in July 2020. My complaint the delegates’ list used for the primary election violated section 87(7) and (8) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), Article 20 (iii) and (iv) (a), (b), (c) and (d) of the APC Constitution 2014 (as amended) and Electoral Guidelines. 

All I require is for the court to deal with the issues I raised rather than misrepresenting my complaints in reaching decisions. Some people say it was not a misrepresentation of facts but a “Nigerian wonder.” I say let us enjoy the tricks to the end.

I believe in the rule of law. I am against jungle justice. Essentially, it is in the interest of the members of APC and Nigerians in general for the court to make judicial pronouncements on these relevant statutory and constitutional provisions. The suit will enhance the legal jurisprudence if the court deals with my complaints. I reasonably believe that it is in the interest of all well-meaning members of APC and Nigerians for political parties to adhere and comply fully with the provisions of the Electoral Act, their Constitutions and Electoral Guidelines. I do not hold any personal grudges but want to contribute to bringing about an orderly political climate and fair political culture. There is no point in playing a game if the rules of the game are not followed. It is in our interest to challenge improprieties and lawlessness. Our constitutional democracy will develop if we approach the courts and allow them to adjudicate on controversial political matters. In consequence, the court’s’ decisions will regulate the conduct of the affairs of political parties. The corollary is that there will not only be a level playing field, the rules of the game will be clearer to the players and the referees.

Win or lose, this is part of my contribution to society.