There is a clear confusion in Ondo state as the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), has finally declared controversial businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo state even as the court insist that INEC cannot replace Eyitayo Jegede with Jimoh.
The announcement declaring Jimoh as candidate was made today, Thursday, in a statement Signed by the commission’s Secretary, Augusta Ogakwu.
Eyitayo Jegede and Jimoh Ibrahim Ibrahim who belongs to the Modu Sheriff faction of the PDP replace Eyitayo Jegede who was the candidate of the Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the party.
This was even as a High Court sitting in Akure restrained INEC from substituting or replacing the name of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the November 26, 2016 governorship election, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) with that of Ibrahim Jimoh.
In the judgment given yesterday, October 26, Justice W R Olamide, said that it would be out of order for INEC to replace or substitute Jegede’s name.
This, according to him would contravene the principles of equity, Justice and fairness.
The judgment read in part: “It is hereby ordered as prayed. The defendant/respondent is hereby restrained either by itself, chairman, commissioners, agents and servants, officers or privies or through any person or persons, howsoever from changing, replacing, removing, substituting or in any manner tampering with the name, Eyitayo Jegede SAN as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the governorship election slated for November 26, 2016 pending the determination of motion on notice.
“In the interest of justice and fair hearing, the Claimant/Applicant is hereby ordered to ensure service of the order herein granted, the motion on notice and originating summoms on the Defendant/Respondent before the next date of hearing”.
In a swift reaction, The PDP in Ondo State has hailed the judgement restraining the INEC from substituting or replacing Jegede’s name with that of Jimoh.
The Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Ondo State, Mr. Banji Okunomo said it is a victory for the nation’s hard earned democracy. [myad]
