Makarfi-led PDP faction to challenge results at tribunal

The Sen. Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it has resolved to challenge the outcome of the Saturday Ondo State governorship election at the tribunal.

The party in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Dayo Adeyeye, said this in Abuja on Monday.

Adeyeye said that the faction had instructed its candidate in the election, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, to be joined by the state chapter of the party for the legal battle.

The faction which called for the total cancellation of the election results said, "we vehemently reject the results of the Nov. 26 gubernatorial election in Ondo State.

“The election and all actions leading to it fall short of laid down principles guiding conduct of elections in Nigeria.’’

Adeyeye recalled that PDP persistently called for the postponement of the election for at least two weeks to enable it campaign and prepare properly for the exercise.

He said that the refusal of INEC to grant the postponement of the election, among others, left PDP with no time to campaign and sell its candidate as well as the party’s manifesto to the electorate.

“Our persistent call for the postponement of the election, backed and supported by more than 20 other political parties, were all rejected by INEC.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Chief Rotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Party (APC) winner of the Saturday’s governorship election.

Akeredolu polled 244, 842 votes to beat his closest rival, Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party who scored 150, 380 votes.

Chief Olusola Oke of Alliance for Democracy (AD), came third with 126, 889 votes.

Adeyeye said that the outcome of the election, declared by Prof. Abdul-Ganiyu Ambali, the INEC Chief Returning Officer, was not the true reflection of the will of Ondo people.

He, however, commended Jegede and the party for the “gallant performance at the poll, in spite the severe injuries inflicted on us before, during and after the election.”

The faction called on PDP members and its teeming supporters nationwide and Ondo state in particular to remain calm and continue to work with the leadership of the party to move it forward.