By Abiodun Lawal
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun says it welcomes the filing of petition against the re-election of Gov. Dapo Abiodun by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Oladipupo Adebutu.
Adebutu and PDP filed a petition challenging the outcome of the March 18 election at the electoral petition tribunal on Thursday in Abeokuta.
They joined INEC, APC and Gov. Abiodun as first, second and third respondents, respectively.
They asked the tribunal to direct INEC to conduct fresh election in 99 polling units in 41 wards and in 16 of the 20 local government areas of the state.
They alleged that elections were either not held and or were cancelled in the polling units listed because of disruption of the exercise and over-voting.
They also asked the tribunal to order the fresh election to the exclusion of APC and Gov. Abiodun.
Responding to the petition on Saturday in Abeokuta, APC’s Publicity Secretary in Ogun, Mr Tunde Oladunjoye, stated that it was good that Adebutu had decided to toe the path of civility and honour as advised by the APC.
He added that APC hoped that after filing the petition, Adebutu would desist from cheap blackmail, sponsored protests, incitements, false claims and propaganda.
“We also take cognisance of his claims when he went to file the petition and wish to advise that he should not intimidate or stampede the tribunal.
“His lawyers should advise him against ignoble attitude, knowing full well that a case is determined by extant laws, facts and evidence and not on fantasies and whims of any of the parties, no matter how plausible.
“They have stated their claims. They should expect our response.
“Suffice it to say that Adebutu who said he won the election is asking the court to disqualify Gov. Abiodun from a rerun if his prayer that election should be held in certain polling units is upheld,’’ he stated.
Oladunjoye added that the APC would leave its lawyers to do justice to the petition.
“While we leave our team of lawyers to do justice to issues raised in the petition, we advise Adebutu to conduct himself as a citizen of Ogun under the leadership of Gov. Abiodun.
“Abiodun, by the grace of God and the benevolence of the good people of Ogun, remains the governor of our beloved state,’’ Oladunjoye added.
INEC declared Gov. Abiodun as winner of the election on March 19, having polled 276,298 votes against Adebutu’s 262,383 votes.
(NAN)
