The election tribunal in Akure has nullified the election of Hon. Nelson Akinsuroju, a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly representing the Ileoluji/Okeigbo constituency, who ran for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In response to a petition filed by Babatunde Fadare, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), contesting Akinsuroju’s election, the tribunal determined that the March 18, 2023 election for Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Constituency was inconclusive.
As a result, the tribunal has mandated a rerun election in six out of the 27 contested polling units, which constitutes a portion of the total 191 polling units in the Constituency.
Akinsuroju was declared the victor by INEC, garnering a total of 10,207 votes, surpassing the PDP candidate who received 9,287 votes.
However, Fadare lodged a petition with the tribunal, contesting the election results based on alleged non-compliance with electoral laws. He argued that Nelson Akinsuroju was not legitimately elected as he did not secure the highest number of lawfully cast votes.
He also implored the court to declare the election as inconclusive and instruct INEC to organize a supplementary election in the six affected units where the voting process was disrupted.
The petitioner also named INEC and APC as respondents in the petition.
The three-member panel, headed by Chairman Rose Soji, in their verdict, mandated a rerun in the six affected polling units within the Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo local government area of Ondo State.
In response to the ruling, Akinsuroju’s counsel, Remi Olatubora SAN, expressed dissatisfaction, asserting that the judgment leaned heavily on the moral aspect of the case rather than the validity of the results.
Represented by Barrister Olumide Ogidan, the defense counsel stated, “The judgment will be thoroughly examined and appealed within the specified timeframe, as outlined in the Electoral Act of 2022.”
The dismissed legislator, Akinsuroju, urged for calm and encouraged the constituents of the Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo State Constituency to maintain hope, assuring them that the judgment would be appealed by his legal team. He emphasized their commitment to safeguarding their mandate, ensuring that they continue to reap the benefits of democracy, which they have enjoyed for over four months.