INEC appeals Osun Tribunal judgement, lists 44 grounds
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has filed an appeal against the judgement of the Election Petition Tribunal regarding the July 16 governorship poll in Osun State, Nigeria. The Tribunal had nullified the victory of the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, and declared Adegboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the election.
In the Notice of Appeal filed on January 30, 2023, INEC listed 44 grounds for appeal and requested the court to set aside the judgement of the Tribunal and dismiss the petition filed by the APC for lacking in merit. The Commission argued that the Tribunal erred in law by claiming that Adeleke did not receive the majority of lawful votes and that the petitioners failed to prove otherwise.
The INEC also challenged the decision of the Tribunal regarding over-voting in 744 polling units and the deduction of excess votes from Adeleke and Oyetola. The Commission claimed that the Tribunal used a table from the final written address of the petitioners without sufficient proof. Additionally, INEC dismissed the allegations of tampering with official documents, stating that such allegations are criminal in nature and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The outcome of this appeal will have a significant impact on the governorship of Osun State and the future of the election process in Nigeria. It highlights the importance of a transparent and fair electoral process and the role of the judiciary in ensuring that the rights of citizens are protected and upheld. The appeal serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of the election process and to ensure that the will of the people is respected.
