The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have reacted to the ruling of the Supreme Court that overruled the Appeal of Senator Ademola Adeleke and affirmed the Gboyega Oyetola of the APC as the legitimate winner of the September 2018 Osun State gubernatorial election.
The PDP, in a statement said it was shocked at the ruling of the Apex Court saying “the fact that the Supreme Court had a split judgment also speaks volumes on its verdict in this matter.
“Our study of the judgment however shows that the Supreme Court did not negate the position of the PDP and millions of Nigerians that our candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke won the election, but based its verdict on reservations over issues of technicalities arising at the election petition tribunal.
“Nevertheless, our party stands with overwhelming majority of Nigerians on that undeniable fact that the people of Osun State, by the votes cast at the poll, preferred Senator Adeleke as their governor.
“The PDP, as a law-abiding party, however, urges the people of Osun state to remain united, calm and not lose hope in our democratic process and the quest for a government that truly represents their wishes and aspirations.
However, the governing APC said it welcomes the ruling of the Supreme Court affirming the election of Gboyega Oyetola as the Governor of Osun State.
“Our great party also congratulates Governor Oyetola and indeed the Party’s Osun State chapter for successfully defending our legitimate mandate. This ruling now cements the majority status of progressive governors in the country.
“Undoubtedly a closely- contested election, we commend the apex court’s decision which is in tandem with the choice of the Osun State electorate who voted for continuity and our Party’s Change Agenda.
“The ruling will now allow the Governor Oyetola-led APC administration in Osun State focus on the core business of governance and implementing the many pro-people developmental plans for the state.
The Supreme Court had in a split judgment of five to two on Friday upheld the election Gov Adeboyega Oyetola of Osun.
In a lead judgment delivered by Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour,on behalf of the five judges in favour, the court held that the proceedings and judgment of trial tribunal a nullity on the grounds that Justice J. Obiora was absence on Feb. 26.
The two dissenting judges are Justice Kumai Akaah and Justice Paul Galinje.