Less than 48 hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the winner of the Ondo State governorship election, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Agboola Ajayi has rejected the results and announced plans to challenge them in court.
Ajayi, the former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, expressed his dissatisfaction in a statement released by his Special Adviser, Ayo Fadaka. He accused both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and INEC of engaging in electoral malpractice, which he claims undermines the will of the people.
In his statement, Ajayi revealed that he had conducted a detailed review of the election results, alleging that he uncovered evidence of “criminality” orchestrated by both the APC and INEC. He accused the election process of being marred by multiple irregularities that compromised its integrity.
Ajayi was particularly critical of INEC, accusing the commission of failing to uphold democratic principles in elections under the APC’s governance since 2015. “Democracy cannot thrive in an environment where unabated criminality is perpetrated during elections,” Ajayi remarked, pointing out systemic flaws in the electoral process.
While Ajayi did not provide specific details of his investigation, he expressed his confidence in the judiciary, urging it to uphold justice in the matter. He emphasized the importance of a fair and impartial ruling, warning that the credibility of those entrusted with the nation’s fate would be tarnished if justice is not delivered.
Reaffirming his commitment to seeking legal redress, Ajayi declared, “We reject the results of the November 16 election and will take legal action to reverse the debauchery. Both man and God, who is the ultimate judge, will deliver justice.”
Additionally, Ajayi called for sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s electoral system, stressing the need to root out criminality in elections. “It is time we begin to eschew criminality from our electoral process for the peace, wellness, and progress of our nation,” he concluded, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change.
