Kehinde Fajobi
Chief Agboola Ajayi, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the November 16 Ondo State governorship election, has filed a petition at the election tribunal to challenge the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
In his first public statement since the election, Ajayi described the poll as “a miscarriage of democracy orchestrated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”
He said he and his party decided to approach the tribunal after analysing the results and determining they did not reflect the will of the people.
“Since the election, our party has refrained from making public comments to allow time for a comprehensive review of the events that transpired on election day,” Ajayi said.
“After careful analysis, we have come to express our gratitude to the people of Ondo State for their confidence in us and the maturity they displayed during the elections, despite provocations.”
Rejecting claims that voters sold their votes, Ajayi insisted the election outcome was widely unpopular.
He accused INEC of failing to act impartially, despite legal actions and warnings intended to ensure the commission’s neutrality.
“The declaration of Aiyedatiwa as the winner by INEC was met with widespread dissatisfaction, as evident in the mood that followed,” Ajayi stated.
“Our party has taken the lawful step of filing a petition at the electoral tribunal.”
While avoiding details of the case, Ajayi expressed confidence in the judiciary, acknowledging concerns about its integrity.
“We remain optimistic that the tribunal will fairly adjudicate our case. The judiciary remains a critical institution in preserving democracy, and we urge it to rise to this challenge,” he said.
Ajayi called on the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act to ensure transparent and tamper-proof elections, advocating for the adoption of electronic voting.
He criticised the current use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), stating it had been manipulated.
“The use of BVAS, as currently implemented, has been exploited for manipulation, and we urge its re-evaluation ahead of future elections,” he added.
He thanked his supporters and PDP leaders for standing by him. “Ondo State deserves leaders chosen freely and fairly by the people. We are determined to restore the integrity of our democracy and ensure the people’s mandate is upheld,” he concluded.