The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital has dismissed the appeal filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last governorship election in the state, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, against Governor Rotimi Akeredolu who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the election.

The state election petition tribunal had earlier stricken out the petition of the PDP candidate for lack of merit but Jegede approached the appellate court to challenge the verdict of the tribunal.

The appeal court, having examined the seven grounds of appeal tabled by the appellant, dismissed the appeal, saying it lacked merit

In the judgment delivered virtually, the Justice Theresa Orji-Abadua-led five-man panel of judges said in the seven-issue of appeal, the issues one to five were resolved to favour the appellant while issue three was resolved to favour the respondent, and issue six was partly dismissed and partly allowed while issued seven favoured the respondent.

The court said, “The appeal is partly allowed and partly dismissed and the appellant’s case is also dismissed.”

Meanwhile, the PDP has expressed its dissatisfaction over the judgment as it declared that the appellate court verdict would be challenged at the Supreme Court,

This was contained in a statement swiftly issued by the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Kennedy Peretei.

The statement, which said the party was still studying the details of the judgment, described the judgment as inconclusive.

It read, “The Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State and candidate of the party at the October 2020 Gubernatorial election will challenge the Court of Appeal decision at the Supreme Court.

“In concluding her lead judgment, Hon. Justice Theresa Orji-Abadua said the appeal was partially dismissed and partially allowed. To the ordinary man in the street, the judgment was “inconclusive” and we must approach the Supreme Court to help them conclude the judgment.

“The kernel of the Eyitayo Jegede/PDP petition was whether or not a gross violation of the 1999 Constitution (as Amended) should be allowed to stay. Whether or not Mai Mala Buni, as a sitting Governor of Yobe State can double as National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, to sign the nomination of Rotimi Akeredolu, for the governorship election. While the Court of Appeal acknowledged that it was a violation of the Constitution, it still went ahead to dismiss the appeal.”

On the other hand, Governor Akeredolu has hailed the judgment and called on the opponent to join him in moving the state forward.

He said, “The Appeal Court has just a while ago delivered a landmark judgment affirming my election as the duly-elected governor of Ondo State alongside my deputy, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

“Understandably, many had waited in animated breaths for the outcome of this case which commenced from the lower Tribunal to this extent. This is a permissible venture in the clearly inoffensive exercise of the rights of litigants. No grudges against any in this regard.

“All have seen the scholarly industry infused into this judicial exercise by the most venerable Honourable Appeal Court of eminent jurists. The issues examined and conclusions reached have further enriched our nation’s jurisprudence, no doubt.

“The outcome notwithstanding, the verdict of the Honourable Appeal Court is yet another great opportunity for my brother, colleague, and friend, Eyitayo Jegede to join me in the greater task of taking Ondo State to loftier and higher heights. ”

Similarly, the All Progressives Congress has commended the judgment, saying it was an affirmation of the people’s decision.

The was contained in a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Alex Kalejaiye.

The statement read, “The ruling party applauded the Court of Appeal Panel for cementing the judgment of the Tribunal, by upholding a dispassionate, and objective stand on the matter.

“The state APC Chairman, Adetimehin rejoiced with all the members of the state chapter and the good people of Ondo State, urging them to continually support the performing APC-led government in the Sunshine State.”