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Tag: Osun Decides

  • Breaking: Tribunal declares Osun gov re-run election illegal

    The rerun Osun governorship election on September 27, 2018 in seven polling units was illegal, The Osun State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Abuja has declared.

    It stated the exercise was borne out of an illegal cancellation of results in the polling units during the September 22, 2018 original poll.

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    The Returning Officers who declared the results cancelled, according to the Tribunal, lacked the power to do it.

    The Peoples Democratic Party and its governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke, petitioned the tribunal to declare Adeleke the governor-elect having polled the highest lawful votes.

     

     

  • Osun Tribunal: How Adeleke promised voters money – Witness

    …APC closes defence after calling 2 witnesses

    ..Tribunal fixes Marc 7 for adoption of written addresses

     

    The Osun State Governorship Election Tribunal heard on Wednesday how the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ademola Adeleke allegedly promised to bribe electorate with money while he was campaigning for the rerun election held on September 27, 2018.

    A witness, Kazeem Oladejo told the tribunal that Adeleke visited his community, Idi-Iya in Orolu Local Government, Osun State to campaign, during which he allegedly promised openly, to give people money should the electorate vote for him.

    Oladejo, who was the second witness of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the revelation while being cross-examined by Wole Olanipekun (SAN), who led the legal team of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

    Olanipekun asked the witness if Adeleke visited his (witness’) community between September 22, 2018 (when the initial election was held) and September 27, 2018 (when the rerun election was held).

    In response, the witness said: “In between the first election and when the rerun election was conducted, the first petitioner (Adeleke) came to my village to canvass for vote.

    “He came to our town, dancing. He went to our Oba’s palace and went around the town, dancing and campaigning, and saying, I am coming fully now.

    “Many big Nigerians are supporting me, like Femi Otedola and Dangote. Vote for me and I will give you money, gbagam! I will give you dollars, gbagam! I will give you pound sterling, gbagam! I will give you Euro, gbagam!’

    “He (Adeleke) said it categorically that Femi Otedola and Dangote have given him money. He mentioned all kinds of money, like dollars, pound sterling and Euro.

    “He danced around the town and danced out of the town, while he was leaving after the campaign,” the witness said.

    As the witness spoke, member of the tribunal took note, while the audience erupted in laughter, with some repeating the word: Gbagam.

    Adeleke and the PDP are challenging the outcome of the last governorship election in Osun State, won by APC’s candidate, Oyetola.

    Earlier, while being led in evidence by APC’s lawyer, Abiodun Layonu (SAN), Oladejo, (who was listed as the respondent’s 13th witness (but second for the third respondent – APC), said he acted as Polling Unit agent for the APC in Unit4 Ward 8 Idi-Iya Village, Orolu LG.

    He confirmed signing a written deposition and asked the tribunal to accept the deposition as his evidence before the tribunal.

    Under cross-examination by lawyer to the first respondent – Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) – Adesina Agbede, the witness said he stood by all that are contained in his written deposition, which the tribunal admitted as his oral evidence in the case.

    Under cross-examination by lawyer to Adeleke and PDP, Nathaniel Oke (SAN), the witness said he did not include the information, about how Adeleke promised to bribe electorate, in his written deposition.

    When asked by Oke whether the election was monitored by observers, Oladejo said there were many observers. He said both local and foreign observers were at his polling unit.

    The first APC’s witness for the day (listed as R12), was Soji Ayoola, who said he is a teacher and was APC’s agent in Unit 8, Ward 9 in Isundurin, Ejigbo LG.

    Led in evidence by Layonu, the witness adopted his written statement, which the tribunal admitted in evidence.

    Under cross-examination by Agbede, Ayoola said his polling unit was won by the PDP with 168 votes as against APC’s 86 votes.

    He said the election was held in accordance with the required standard.

    He said he was accredited before being allowed to vote.

    He said he voted once, and that, at the close of ballot, the results were announced to the hearing of all.

    The witness said: “Before the election, all the materials were shown to us and the ballot papers were counted at the end of the election.”

    The witness said all party agents in his polling unit signed the result sheet, following which a pink copy of the result sheets was handed to each of the agents.

    Under cross-examination by Olanipekun, the witness confirmed that the PDP won in the unit where he served as agent.

    Ayoola said the votes were already sorted out, counted and announced before the information was entered into the Form EC8A (the result sheet from his polling unit).

    The witness, who read from the Form EC8A, noted that the total number of issued ballot papers for his polling unit were 714 while the total number of used and unused ballot papers stood 711, which was less than the number issued.

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    He said a total number of unused ballot papers were 361 while 350 was the total number of used ballot papers.

    The witness said while total number of used and unused ballot papers in his polling unit amounted to 711 the result sheet contained 714 as the total number of allocated ballot papers.

    The witness said 48 political parties participated in the election and that agents of the parties signed the result sheets after the election.

    He said the result sheets, which all the agents signed, had carbon copies, which were attached to them.

    At that point, Olanipekun asked the witness to demonstrate how he signed the result sheets. The witness was provided with a copy of the result sheet and a carbon sheet, on which he signed three times.

    The specimen of the witness’ signature was later tendered by Olanipekun, which the tribunal, in the absence of objection from the other parties, admitted in evidence and marked as: Exhibit R169A.

    At the conclusion of Oladejo’s testimony, Akin Olujinmi (SAN), who led the APC’s legal team, told the tribunal that the third respondent has decided to close its case after calling its second witness.

    Following agreement by parties, tribunal’s Chairman, Justice Ibrahim Sirajo directed the respondents (INEC, Oyetola and APC) to file their written addresses within 10 days.

    He asked the petitioners to file their written addresses within seven days after the respondents have filed and served them, following which the respondents will, again have five days, within which to file their written reply on point of law.

    The tribunal Chairman adjourned to March 7 this year, for parties to adopt their final written addresses.
     

     

  • Osun: PDP, Adeleke’s witnesses allege over-voting

    Proceedings resumed on Monday before the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja with the petitioners calling 10 more witnesses.

    The petitioners – the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the last governorship election in Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke – are contesting the outcome of the election won by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adegboyega Oyetola.

    The 10 witnesses called on Monday by the petitioners brought to 34 the number of witnesses so far called by the petitioners, who planned to call over 100.

    All the witnesses called on Monday, most of who were barely literate artisans, alleged that there were over-voting at the polling units where they served as agents of the PDP.

    Some of the witnesses could not read the statements they claimed to have signed and adopted before the tribunal on Monday as their evidence in chief in the case.

    The witnesses, most of whom could also not express themselves fluently in English language, were however unable to substantiate their allegations of over-voting.

    When asked, under cross-examination, to provide proof of their claimed over-voting, the witnesses would point to some alterations in the result sheets tendered before the court.

    When reminded, by respondents’ lawyers, that they signed the said result sheets on their own volition, the witnesses would claim to have signed after protesting.

    At a point, some of the witnesses became unruly as they refused to answer questions under cross-examination, thereby necessitating occasional intervention by tribunal’s Chairman, Justice Ibrahim Sirajo.

    Some of the witnesses, also confessed, under cross-examination, that they were not the actual PDP’s agents, whose names were submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the election.

    One of the witnesses, Mrs. Victoria Fadeke Alo admitted that it was actually another agent – Ilesanmi Samson Taiwo – who signed the result sheet as agent of the PDP in the polling unit she claimed to have represented the party.

    Under cross-examination by Wole Olanipekun (SAN) who appeared for Oyetola, Mrs Alo admitted that she was not the Ilesanmi Samson Taiwo, whose name appeared on the result sheet as the PDP agent.

    Another witness, Oyedokun Wasiu Soyode, who said he acted as PDP agent at Polling Unit 9, Ward 5 in Ejigbo Local Government also admitted not being the actual agent whose name was sent to INEC.

    Soyode, who was cross-examined by John Baiyeshea (SAN), who took over from Olanipekun, said his name was not on the list of party agent sent to INEC.

    He said it was his brother, Lateef Taiwo, who was the original agent whose name was sent to INEC, but took ill on the election day and was later admitted in the hospital.

    He said the development informed why he was asked to take his brother’s place.

    Also, Shehu Mufutau Alani , who said he acted as PDP agent in Unit 8, Ward 7, Iwo Local Government, also admitted not being the party agent, whose name was submitted to INEC.

    He said one Fadirat Isiaka, whose name was submitted fell sick few day before the election, a development that informed his choice as a replacement.

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    Under cross-examination by lawyer to the APC, Lasun Sanusi (SAN), Ajani said his lawyer wrote the witness’s statement, which he signed.

    He denied knowledge of where the lawyer got the information he wrote on the statement.

    Oyedele Waliu Ayinla, who said he acted as PDP agent at Unit 002, Ward 9 in Egbedore Local Government, could not read his statement when asked to read a portion of it.

    He was the petitioners’ last witness for the day. Further hearing continues Tuesday, Jan. 8.

  • Osun: Police set for Thursday’s rerun election

    …Court orders release of PDP chieftains arrested for allegedly buying voters’ cards

     

    The Nigeria Police Force on Wednesday said its men and officers were prepared to deal decisively with any trouble maker before during and after the rerun election holding on Thursday in four council areas of the state.

    Addressing newsmen at the Police Command headquarters in Osogbo, Osun State, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Department of Operations (DOPS) in the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, Joshak Habila, said from intelligence report, some people are planning to disrupt election Thursday.

    The Supervising DIG for Osun 2018 governorship election said: “We have an intelligence report that, there is a grand plan to turn the election gruesomely violent and deadly by arming thugs to unleash mayhem at polling centers. As law enforcement agencies, the Police and other security agencies would not permit the breakdown of law and order.

    “Those of them preparing for “fire for fire” must be ready to bear the consequences of their actions which designed to undermine this particular democratic process. It should be noted that the Nigeria Police Force will remain proactive and would not rest it oars in its task to decode the identities of those democratic enemies.

    “Residents are requested to be law abiding and go about their lawful duties without fear and with the full assurance of the protection of law abiding citizens and voters who are out there to exercises their franchise.

    Read Also: Police raises alarm over plot to make Osun rerun violent

    “The Police and other law enforcement agencies have been deployed to maintain law and order and protect lives and property of the residents in Osun.

    “In the areas where re-run election is to be held, only eligible voters with their voting cards and other personnel with due accreditation would be allowed to come near the polling units.

    “Residents should report all suspicious activities to the Police, such as solicitation for votes, buying of Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) and any plan to rig or disrupt the election.

    “Troublemakers and other interlopers are warned to keep away from the polling units and indeed from any part of the state. The police and other security agencies will leave no stone unturned to protect lives and property and maintain peace.

    Meanwhile, Justice A. O. Ayoola of an Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo, has ordered the release of a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Fatai Diekola Oyedele, and his two aides, Alhaji Adekilekun Segun and Alhaji Sikiru Lawal.

    They were arrested on Monday for allegedly buying voters’ cards at Alekuwodo, Osogbo, one of the poling units where the rerun will take place on Thursday.

    The trio had approached the court with a Motion Exparte, asking the court to order their release from police detention.

    Ruling on the Motion Exparte on Wednesday, Justice Ayoola, granted the prayer of the Applicants and ordered the police to release them immediately.

  • Foreign missions sues for peaceful rerun in Osun

    The Missions of the European Union (EU), United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) have called for a violence free rerun elections in the affected polling units in Osun State.

    In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the foreign missions stressed the importance that there should be no intimidation nor vote buying practices.

    They also urged that whoever emerged winner should be magnanimous in victory and the loser gracious in defeat.

    Commending the people for voting peacefully, the missions also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for improved organisation and security services for their conduct.

    “We urge that all continue to support a peaceful, free, fair, and credible completion of the process as INEC re-runs the election in seven polling units where – through no fault of their own – voters were not able to cast their votes and have them counted last
    Saturday.

    “We stress the importance that the re-run should take place without any violence, intimidation, or vote buying.

    “Whoever wins the election after Thursday’s vote should be magnanimous in victory, and whoever loses should be gracious in defeat,” the missions said.

  • Osun 2018: APC cautions Secondus on utterances

    …says stop throwing mud at us

     

    The All Progressives Congress ( APC ) has asked the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus to stop his unguided and baseless utterances, saying the National Chairman of a political party is supposed to exhibit some level of decency and decorum.

    Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Yekini Nabena said in a statement that Secondus allegation that the APC conspired with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the Osun governorship election inconclusive was without any basis at all.

    While challenging the PDP Chairman to back his statement with facts, the APC said Secondus should not to descend to the level unexpected of his office, less he enters the boxing ring with its attendant mud and dirt.

    The statement reads: “The National Chairman of a political party is expected to exhibit the highest sense of patriotism, decency and decorum in public conduct and discourse. Regrettably, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has not lived up to these basic expectations.

    “Weeks ago, the PDP National Chairman took the internal matters of the country’s politics to the international scene by writing letters to various international organizations.

    “Again, soon after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the Osun State Governorship Election inconclusive, Prince Secondus without basis accused the electoral body of conspiring with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to declare the election inconclusive.

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    “The APC would as a rule ignore irresponsible and baseless utterances and actions as exhibited by the PDP National Chairman. But as we prepare for the forthcoming 2019 General elections, it is necessary we give a word of caution on expected behavior required of all political sides. Prince Secondus is respectfully advised to temper his political language and conduct.

    “His unfounded allegation on the inconclusive Osun State governorship election is not expected from such highly-placed party official. Accusing the APC of conspiring with INEC, without proof, is taking mudslinging too far.

    “We advise Prince Secondus not to descend to the level unexpected of his office, less he enters the boxing ring with its attendant mud and dirt. His action will only bring him personal attacks, ridicule. A word is enough for the wise”.

  • Aragbiji upbeat about Oyetola’s victory

    …advises indigenes against wild jubilation

     

    The Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrosheed Olabomi, has expressed optimism about Gboyega Oyetola’s victory in Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.

    Oyetola, who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election, hails from Iragbiji.

    The monarch, who cast his vote in front of his palace at 11:17 am, told The Nation at his palace that he was not surprised at the massive turnout of his subjects in today’s election because the APC candidate is one of his subjects that is committed to the development of the town and welfare of indigenes.

    Oba Olabomi explained that Oyetola has been in the forefront of human capital development of the town in recent decades, offering scholarships to indigent students, supporting community projects and sponsoring free health services to the masses.

    “Even before he became the Chief of Staff, he had been very supportive. There has never been a time he held back in his responsibilities to the town as a major indigene. He has impacted almost every home in Iragbiji, helping young people to secure employment, supporting students and helping many people with health challenges.” Olabomi said.

    The traditional ruler revealed that reports from other parts of the state confirmed that there were large turnout of voters in the election which he believes would be in favour of his subject.

    Based on his expectation and the enthusiasm of his subjects, he advised them against wild jubilation when Oyetola is hopefully declared winner. He advised them to celebrate moderately, reminding them that the candidate is a gentleman and that Iragbiji is known for peace.

  • Massive turnout in Iragbiji as Oyetola hails exercise

    …confident of winning 

    Sons and daughters of Iragbiji turned out in large number expectedly to vote for one of their own, Gboyega Oyetola, who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in today’s election.
    Residents stormed polling units as early as 6:30 am awaiting staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to commence the voting exercise that was slated for 8:00 am.
    In most of the polling units visited by our reporter, accreditation and voting commenced as scheduled with the card readers working in nearly perfect condition.
    Oyetola arrived at the L. A. School, Popo, Iragbiji at exactly 10:05 am. At 10:10, he did his accreditation. The card reader could not read his fingerprint the first time but succeeded the second time. He proceeded to cast his vote at 10:12.
    His wife, Kafayat, did the same immediately after her husband. But the card reader could not read her fingerprint until the third attempt.
    Clad in a white native attire with an orange cap to match, Oyetola described the exercise as peaceful and well organized.
    He also told reporters that reports from other parts of the state suggested that it has been a peaceful exercise so far. He hailed the INEC  for a smooth process and also commended Osun residents for conducting themselves peacefully as they performed their civic duties.
    A total of 1,278 voters were registered at his polling unit.

  • I’m confident of winning, says Adeoti

    The governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Alhaji Moshood Adeoti said he was confident that he would win.

    Adeoti who spoke to reporters shortly after casting his vote at Unit 4, Ward 12, Post office frontage, Iwo, said his popularity cut across the three senatorial districts in the state.

    He said “if you watch our campaign train you would observe that we were received by huge crowd every where. l am a grass root politician. I have served my people, laid down my life my life in the process. I’m going to reap from the goodwill of my people. ”

    Read Also: Victory is assured, says Adeleke

    He advised the voters not to give consideration to monetary inducement but should vote for the Candidate that would serve their interest.

  • Police arrest two for vote buying in Iwo

    The Nigerian Police have arrested two for vote buying in the ongoing Osun State gubernatorial election Iwo.

     

    Details Later…