The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state, and its candidate in the October 10, 2020 governorship election, Eyitayo Jegede, have resolved to appeal the ruling of the appeal court, dismissing their petitions against Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The PDP stated this in a statement signed by Kennedy Peretei, its publicity secretary.
The appellate court had ruled in a unanimous judgment on Wednesday that the petition lacks merit.
Read statement below:
PRESS STATEMENT
WE SHALL CHALLENGE THE JUDGEMENT OF THE COURT OF APPEAL AT THE SUPREME COURT.
The Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State and candidate of the party at the October 2020 Gubernatorial election will challenge the Court of Appeal decision at the Supreme Court.
In concluding her lead judgement, Hon. Justice Theresa Orji-Abadua said the Appeal was partially dismissed and partially allowed. To the ordinary man in the street, the judgement was “inconclusive” and we must approach the Supreme Court to help them conclude the judgement.
The kernel of the Eyitayo Jegede/PDP petition was whether or not a gross violation of the 1999 Constitution (as Amended) should be allowed to stay. Whether or not Mai Mala Buni, as a sitting Governor of Yobe State can double as National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, to sign the Nomination of Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN for the Governorship election. While the Court of Appeal acknowledged that it was violation of the Constitution, it still went ahead to dismiss the appeal.
We are still studying the details of the judgement, by virtue of the fact that it was delivered via Zoom. But we have sufficient grounds to appeal the decision of the Court. We are confident the Supreme Court which is the highest court in the land will do justice.
Kennedy Ikantu Peretei,
State Publicity Secretary, Ondo PDP.
16th July, 2021.