The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, on Friday expressed dissatisfaction with the judgement of the Osun Elections Petition Tribunal, noting that the nullification of the victory of Governor Ademola Adeleke, declaration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola winner, ‘is a phase in the struggle to liberate Osun State’.
The PDP presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections was optimistic that the PDP will retain the mandate of the Osun people.
Atiku, in a statement, declared that he stands in “solidarity with the good people of Osun State who overwhelmingly voted for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and gave their mandate to His Excellency Governor Demola Adeleke.”
The former Vice President maintained: “what has happened at the tribunal today is a phase in the struggle to liberate Osun State and I am sure that at the conclusion of the whole process, the people shall be victorious.
“I, therefore, call on the people of Osun to continue to have faith in their governor elected into office in a popular ballot. This light that has shone on Osun shall never go dim.”
The election tribunal led by Justice Terste Kume, delivering judgement on Friday, upturned the governorship election result, citing over-voting. The tribunal held that after deducting the over-voting figures, votes for Oyetola increased to 314, 921, while Adeleke’s votes reduced to 290, 266.
The tribunal, therefore, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Adeleke and his deputy, Kola Adewusi; and issue certificate of return to Oyetola.