Ekiti Election: Gov. Fayemi Reacts To Supreme Court Ruling

Governor John Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has reacted to the Supreme Court judgement affirming him as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State governorship elections.

Naija News had reported that the Supreme Court of Nigeria on Wednesday upheld the governorship election of Kayode Fayemi

In a unanimous judgment by a five-man panel, the apex court held that the appeal by Segun Oni was statute barred.

In the lead judgment, Justice Amiru Sanusi held that the case, being a pre-election one, was not commenced at the trial court, within the required time, as stipulated under the Forth Alteration Act.

Speaking after swearing-in the new Head of Service, Ayodele Ajayi, Fayemi said he has no grudge against his predecessor, Segun Oni, for challenging his election victory in court.

He said the Supreme Court judgment would now enable the state to move forward and end all contentions about his emergence.

The governor also said the apex court judgment showed that he properly resigned in line with the constitutional provision, contrary to Oni’s claim.

According to Fayemi, “Ekiti must move forward. Enough of these distractions. Enough of these recriminations over matters that ought not to go to court.

” It is very clear that I resigned in accordance with the constitution of the land and that the shenanigans that culminated in the White Paper that said Fayemi should not serve in public office have been dealt with in the appropriate law courts as the thrash that it was at the time.

“It also shows clearly that the primaries that took place in Ekiti for anyone who is objective enough was the cleanest, the fairest and most credible primaries that had ever taken place in the history of electioneering in Nigeria.

“Now that the highest court in the land has pronounced definitely on it, I hope he (Oni) would see it as a cue to play a more active role in the party.

“Oni, to the best of my knowledge, remains a member of the APC. I don’t believe he has removed himself from the party.

“But I think this would not lead to another round of recriminations and attacks.”