Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Akure, has dismissed a petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Kolawole Olugbenga, against the election of a member of the House of Representatives representing Akoko South East/Akoko South West, Mr. Adegboyega Adefarati.
Olugbenga, through his counsel, Mr. Tolu Babaleye, had alleged in the petition that the Federal High Court in Akure nullified the primary election of Adefarati and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise the APC candidate in the February 25 general election.
He said the APC had no candidate at the time the election was held.
The tribunal in the judgment read by Justice Rose Soji said the petition lacked merit since the Court of Appeal in Akure had overturned the verdict of the lower court.
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Soji said the prayer of the petitioner was an implication to cause judicial anarchy, describing it as a perfect example of a waste of court process.
She said the Nigerian constitution stipulated that the Court of Appeal judgments should be enforced across the federation.
According to her, “the tribunal was under a duty by constitution to enforce the judgment of the appellate court.”
She struck out the petition and awarded N150,000 against the petitioner in favour of the respondents.
Ondo APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, said the losing side wanted to use technicality to secure victory it lost at the polls.