Ondo PDP Rep wins at appeal court

The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure yesterday upturned the judgment of the Election Tribunal, which sacked the House of Representatives member representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, Kolade Akinjo last month.

The court upheld the election after quashing the tribunal judgment that earlier nullified his election on the grounds of ineligibility for the polls on October 6, 2015.

The three-man panel led by Justice Abiyiri Shehu faulted the tribunal judgment based on the claim that Akinjo was not a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the time of the election because his ward chairman and secretary did not sign his membership card.

Earlier, the lower tribunal headed by Justice Antony Ogar, had hinged its ruling on the fact that the Akinjo was not an eligible candidate of the PDP.

The Tribunal maintained that the nomination did not follow due process and consequently nullified the election and ordered fresh election in the Federal Constituency.

In its judgment, the appeal court noted that Akinjo’s challenger, Lucky Aiyedatiwa would have had a good case if he had presented another card to show that the federal lawmaker’s card was fake and not credible enough to attest to his membership of the PDP before the March 28 National Assembly election.

It therefore upheld the victory of Akinjo in the election.
The APC counsel, Charles Titiloye, in his reaction, said his party has accepted the verdict in good fate but would soon make its position known, while PDP counsels, Remi Olatubora and Adeoti Adejuyigbe both lauded the court, which they said has again restored confidence in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

Akinjo thanked the Appeal Court judges for restoring his mandate, which would enable him focus on selfless service for his people who have also supported him.

He also expressed gratitude to Governor Olusegun Mimiko whom he described as his benefactor and political leader that stood by him through the thick and thin.