The Ondo State Election Petitions Tribunal held its inaugural sitting on Friday at the Akure Division of the State High Court to adjudicate the outcome of the November 16, 2024, gubernatorial poll.
They also joined the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the suit.
PDP governorship candidate Agboola Ajayi had, through his counsel, Ishaka Dikko (SAN), filed the petition challenging the victory of Mr Aiyedatiwa.
Other petitioners, both the SDP and the ADC, are asking the Justice Benson Ogubu-led tribunal to upturn the governorship election, saying the results did not reflect the electorate’s wish.
They argued through their counsels, Mr Dikko and Bankole Akomolafe (SAN), that Mr Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olaide Adelami, were not qualified to participate in the election.
However, the respondents, in their replies, said the issue of qualifications had been determined at the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. They asked the tribunal to dismiss the petitions.
During the pre-trial conference, all the counsels to the parties had agreed to call 149 witnesses before the tribunal.
The PDP has 43 witnesses, INEC 19, and Mr Aiyedatiwa 32, while the APC and Mr Adelami would call 20 and 35 witnesses, respectively.
Earlier, the tribunal chairman, Mr Ogbu, sought the cooperation of the petitioners and the respondents at the trial and promised a fair hearing and justice.
The tribunal has adjourned to February 10, 2025, for further proceedings.
Meanwhile, Mr Aiyedatiwa has again expressed confidence in winning at the tribunal.
The governor, who attended the inaugural sitting of the tribunal alongside his deputy, Mr Adelami, said, “The election was free, fair, and credible. The people of Ondo State made history by ensuring that, for the first time, a candidate won in all 18 local government areas. That alone speaks volumes about the trust and confidence they have in my leadership.”
He explained that he decided to witness the trial as a governor and hear the opposition parties’ arguments.
“Having the legal professionals and the very competent justices on this panel, it’s an exercise for me. I just want to witness it and be part of it. There’s nothing to worry about,” Mr Aiyedatiwa said.
