Injustice to Jegede will boost his popularity, says Mimiko

• Candidate promises to retrieve mandate • Ikpeazu relies on judiciary to save logjam
Governor Olusegun Mimiko has explained that the injustice done to Mr. Eyitayo Jegede would boost the candidate’s chances at the governorship polls.

He said his removal, as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was temporary.

The governor added that Jegede’s popularity was soaring among the voters because God had taken over his battle.

“Despite the little challenges to remove him from the ballot paper because of the plot of some people to short-change the will of Ondo people, the passion for him has grown higher,” he said.

He expressed appreciation to the religious organisations in the state for their persistent prayers for peace.

Also, Jegede has expressed the hope that he would retrieve his mandate through the instrumentality of the law.

He spoke to journalists in Akure, in reaction to the appellant court’s ruling that he could appeal against the Federal High Court judgment that voided his candidacy.

He said he was absolutely committed to the rule of law, adding: “I have submitted my grievances to the courts, despite the contrivance and manipulation by those who are opposed to democracy.

“We have been vindicated at the first step and God willing, we would continue to move on. We are here because we have the interest of the people at heart. I remain indebted to the wonderful people of the state who have remained steadfast to us.”

He said he was hopeful that he would partake and win the election.

His counsel, Dayo Akinlaja, disclosed that they had filed the proper appeal, following the prayers granted by the panel, including the abridgement of time from the normal court procedures.

Meanwhile, Abia State Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, yesterday said the judiciary would save democracy and deliver justice in the governorship logjam.

Ikpeazu spoke in Ado Ekiti when he visited the state governor, Ayodele Fayose on his 56th birthday.

According to him, the problems confronting the PDP in Ondo had some political undertones, which the judiciary would solve.