The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Yagba East state Constituency, Mr. Adesoji Odofin has rejected the Kogi State tribunal verdict that upheld the victory of the All Progressive Congress candidate, Mr. Emmanuel Obaro.
The Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal had on Monday delivered judgment in the petition challenging the victory of Mr Emmanuel Obaro who was declared winner of the March 18, House of Assembly election.
The ADC had challenged the victory, but the tribunal upheld the return of Mr. Emmanuel while dismissing the petition of the African Democratic Congress and Adesoji Odofin the candidate of ADC.
Counsel to the ADC candidate, Barr. Woke Esq expressed dissatisfaction, said they have received the judgment and will appeal same.
“It is quite unfortunate that the tribunal in its wisdom refused to accept the credible and convincing evidence we presented on the fraudulent and abnormalities perpetrated by the APC candidate in the election.
“The decision of the tribunal does not reflect the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act 2022 on issues bothering on violence during election and the use of BVAS for accreditation of voters in an election.”
Barr. Wole said their decision to approach the Appeal was taken in the “best interest of the good people of Yagba East.”
While the vote margin was seventeen (17) votes, the ADC had said it would examine the verdict and strategise on the next line of action to seek redress on the judgement of the tribunal.
Candidate of the ADC in a separate reaction said the tribunal was not thorough in delivering the judgment, “While we refrain from providing a detailed analysis of the judgment at this juncture, we urge our dedicated supporters to maintain composure and abstain from any activities that may disrupt the harmony and order of our society.”
“As a party, we are committed to undertaking a meticulous review of the judgment upon receipt of the Certified True Copy, and subsequently, we will issue precise directives to our legal team.
“The tenets of democracy are at the core of our party’s values, and we remain dedicated to fostering an inclusive society that serves the interests of all its citizens.”
“We firmly believe that the appropriate avenue for addressing our concerns is through the legal process, and we are unwavering in our resolve to pursue our case until it reaches a just and lawful resolution.”
“The tribunal judgement on our stolen mandate is a total miscarriage of justice; however, we are determined and resolute with the belief that the upper Court will interface with the evidence where major atrocious malpractices were carried out but not considered at the lower court for reasons best known to them.”
