Ondo Election: Jegede, PDP Close Case At Tribunal

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede, and the opposition party on Wednesday closed their cases at the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in the state.

The former Attorney-General of the state is challenging the victory of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu who was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Jegede is challenging the eligibility of Akeredolu to contest the election.

The PDP and Jegede had initially listed 400 witnesses and other exhibits before the tribunal while they had requested for additional nine days to defend their case before the court.

However, at the proceeding on Wednesday, the counsel to the petitioners, Mr Onyechi Ipeazu, said the petitioners are not interested in calling other 399 witnessed and thereby closed their case.

Counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mr Charles Edosomwan, asked the court for more time to further study the petitions before they opening defence, while counsels to the All Progressives Congress and Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Mr Lateef Fagbemi and Akin Olujimi respectively, did not oppose the prayer of the INEC’s counsel.

The tribunal has adjourned further hearing till Tuesday, January 19, 2021, to enable the first respondent to open its evidence in rebuttal.