The Ondo State Election Petitions Tribunal started hearings on Friday at the Akure Division of the State High Court.
The tribunal is reviewing the results of the November 16, 2024, governorship election.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) are challenging the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. They have also included the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in their petitions.
PDP’s candidate, Agboola Ajayi, through his lawyer, Ishaka Dikko (SAN), filed a case questioning Aiyedatiwa’s victory. The SDP and ADC also argued that the election results did not reflect the people’s choice. They claimed Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olaide Adelami, were not eligible to contest.
The defense, however, maintained that the issue of qualification had already been settled by higher courts. They asked the tribunal to dismiss the case.
During the pre-trial conference, all parties agreed to present 149 witnesses. The PDP has 43 witnesses, INEC 19, and Aiyedatiwa 32. The APC and Adelami will call 20 and 35 witnesses, respectively.
The tribunal chairman, Justice Benson Ogbu, assured all parties of a fair process.
The next hearing is scheduled for February 10, 2025.
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