Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has asked his supporters not to worry that he still remains the governor.
Makinde said this in his reaction to several reports as a result of the appeal court ruling today.
The governor noted that no judge ruled against him.
Makinde said in the statement on Monday:
“It is premature for anyone to wish that a landslide victory can just be upturned. Although, they may wish that such happens, but it won’t ever happen. The mandate was freely given to him by the good people of Oyo State.
“There is really nothing to worry about because, all they, the opposition are planning is already in the public… the judiciary is credible and won’t allow itself to be used against the will of the Oyo State.
“I urge you all to go about your normal businesses, we won’t be distracted in our quest to make Oyo State, a model State where good governance and leadership will be the order of the day.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the election but Adebayo Adelabu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), challenged Makinde’s victory at the tribunal.
He had asked the tribunal to annul Makinde’s victory and order a fresh election but the panel struck out his appeal.
Muhammed Sirajo, the presiding judge, said the testimonies presented by the petitioners could not be relied upon.
However, Adelabu headed to the appeal court which on Monday ruled that Makinde did not secure majority of lawful votes in the election, saying the exercise was tainted by over-voting and failure to comply with the provision of electoral act.
But the court neither sacked the governor nor ordered a fresh poll.
