Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Osun State, referred to the decision of the governorship election petitions tribunal as “a miscarriage of justice” and vowed to appeal the decision.
This was contained in a statement signed by his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, on Friday, January 27.
The result of the July 16 Osun governorship election was thrown out by the Election Petitions Tribunal on Friday; after hearing Adegboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress’ case challenging Ademola Adeleke’s victory.
The Independent National Electoral Commission did not substantially comply with the terms of the Electoral Act; according to Justice Tetsea Kume’s majority ruling.
From his country home in Ede, Adeleke criticised the tribunal’s decision to rule in favour of Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola; calling it “an unfair interpretation against the desire of the majority of voters.”
Adeleke promised to fight the decision at the Court of Appeal; while pleading with his supporters to maintain composure. He insisted he was still the legitimate victor of the July 16 election.
“I call on our people to remain calm. We will appeal the judgement and we are sure justice will be done. Let our people be reassured that we will do everything possible to retain this widely acclaimed mandate,” the governor said.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, January 26, in Katsina State, chastised the Nigerian elite for being “extremely selfish” and failing to pool their resources for the sake of their fellow residents.
Buhari said this at a luncheon after commissioning at least seven infrastructural projects executed by the Katsina State Government.
“Our elites did not put their heads together in the years past in order to move the country forward. They were very selfish. I insist that they should think of the country more than themselves,” he said.
If the elite had greater regard for the populace, according to Buhari, the condition of living in the nation would be more tolerable.
The President lamented that the past governments did not maximise the available resources for infrastructural growth when a barrel of crude oil sold for $100, recalling a supposedly golden period in world oil prices.
Comparing the pre and post-2015 when he assumed office, Buhari said, “Our elite did not put their heads together in the years past in order to move the country forward. They were very selfish.
“I insist that they should think of the country more than themselves. By doing so, they can join forces for the good of the country.”
According to him, citizens are more concerned about the results the government can provide in terms of security and the economy.
“But I can’t complain because I asked for it. I have done my best, and I hope history will be kind to me,” he said.
