INEC Fails to Defend Oyetola’s Declaration as Osun Governor

The Osun Governorship Election Petition Tribunal Thursday in Abuja witnessed a stunning session as the Independent National Electoral Commission closed its submission without calling a single witness.

To the consternation of the legal teams of All Progressives Congress and Governlr Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State, the commission, through its counsel, Adesina Agbede rose to apply for closure of their case.

The counsel had staked his reputation the previous day when he promised that the witnesses would testify at yesterday’s proceedings. The Tribunal Chairman quickly came to the aid of the counsel by ruling that he did not have apply to close INEC’s defense, urging him to proceed with his case.

The INEC counsel eventually closed the case without canvassing any argument against the presentations, submissions and prayers of the petitioner that Senator Ademola Adeleke be declared the rightful winner of the election based on the results of September 22, 2018.

Speaking on the implication of INEC’s decision, lead counsel to the petitioner, Dr. Paul Ananaba, SAN said; “INEC has literally endorsed and conceeded to the PDP petition seeking declaration of Senator Adeleke as the winner of the election.”