Tribunal: Balogun’s Victory Over Ajimobi is Another Victory for Democracy – Makinde

• Makinde says Balogun’s victory is for democracy and PDP.
• Tribunal says Ajimobi couldn’t prove if there were any electoral malpractice during poll.

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde has reacted to the tribunal judgment that reaffirms the victory of the lawmaker representing Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Kola Balogun.

Immediate past Oyo governor, Abiola Ajimobi challenges the declaration of Balogun at the tribunal as the winner of the February 23 senatorial elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In its ruling, Justice Akpovi, who read the judgment on behalf of other members; Justices Chinyere Ani and Sambo Daka, held that Ajimobi did not prove that the election is faulty by reason of corrupt practices, rigging, violence and manipulation of election results nor did he prove that Balogun was not duly elected.

READ: ‘I Wish Oyo People Would Have Been Patient With Me’, Says Ajimobi on His Visit to Aso Rock

“The decision of the election petition tribunal today, is another victory for democracy and the people of Oyo State. It is an affirmation of our people’s choice. Congratulations to Senator Kola Balogun and our great party, @OfficialPDPNig,” the governor tweeted.

The decision of the election petition tribunal today, is another victory for democracy and the people of Oyo State. It is an affirmation of our people’s choice.
Congratulations to Senator Kola Balogun and our great party, @OfficialPDPNig. pic.twitter.com/jhJaaaitNk

— Seyi Makinde (@seyiamakinde) September 10, 2019

The tribunal also stated that the petition in no way proved that the election is faulty based on non-compliance with rules, and the law is trite and it is presumed that any result declared by INEC is regular except proved otherwise while the onus lies on the petitioner to prove this.

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According to the ruling, all result sheets in contention were signed by the APC agents and the reasons given for signing against their wish was untenable as they did not present any evidence that they were forced to sign and cannot at will, now turn back to say the result they signed willingly is irregular, adding that this does not prove any irregularity in the results declared by INEC.