Tribunal Verdict: Ex-Gov Oyetola Reacts, Says It’s Victory For Osun

Immediate-past Governor of Osun State and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the July 16 governorship election, Adegboyega Oyetola, has described his victory at the State Election Petition Tribunal as well-deserved.

He also appealed to the members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to resort to self-help, but instead allow the judicial process to run its full course.

Addressing journalists shortly after the Tribunal ruling on Friday at his Iragbiji country home in Boripe local government area of the State, Oyetola said: “the Tribunal judgement today on our petition ushers in a new dawn of a renewed hope and recovery for Osun State.

“For me, I see it as a no victor and no vanquished situation for our party members, but rather a collective victory for the entire people of Osun State, party and Nigeria’s democracy.

“I am happy that the Tribunal has been able to lay to rest the controversy over the real winner of the July 16 Osun Governorship election.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would no doubt be the greatest beneficiary of this ruling, as it would help it correct some of the anomalies that have been pointed out through the ruling, a thing that was our motivation in the first instance.

“Like I have always emphasised, our decision to approach the Tribunal was not to impugn on the integrity of INEC, but to help deepen our electoral system and our democracy.

“I salute millions of our party faithful and Osun citizens, who stood firm to weather the storm for their courage and loyalty.

“With this victory, we have become more energised to redouble our efforts towards ensuring victory for our presidential candidate and all our National Assembly candidates, including all the State House of Assembly candidates in the February and March elections respectively.

“I thank our legal team for a diligent job, just as I also thank the Tribunal for doing justice to our petition. Finally, I call on our party members and supporters across the State not to react to any form of provocation from any quarters. Let’s continue to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding.”