Osun Election Tribunal annuls Adeleke’s victory, declares Oyetola winner
Osun Elections Petitions Tribunal has annulled the victory of newly-sworn-in Governor of the state, Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the July 16, 2022 governorship polls, on the grounds that the exercise did not comply with the Electoral Act.
The tribunal, Friday, also declared that the then incumbent, Adegboyega Oyetola of the All progressives Congress (APC) won the election.
It would be recalled that Oyetola had in August, immediately after the July governorship election headed to the tribunal to seek redress over his loss in the poll, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had announced his biggest rival, Adeleke as winner.
Oyetola alleged over-voting in 749 polling units across 10 local government areas of the state.
In its ruling the Justice Tetse Kume-led panel confirmed that there was over-voting on the examination of BVAS manipulation.
The tribunal therefore, ordered INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Adeleke and issue the same to Oyetola.
The majority judgement which was read by the Chairman, Justice Kume said Oyetola got the majority of lawful votes of 314,931 while Adeleke had 219,666.
It is expected that the matter will head to the Appeal court, where Governor Adeleke will file an application seeking to dismiss the tribunal’s ruling.
