Appeal court ruling removed timebomb placed on our democracy, says Adeleke

Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun, says the appeal court judgement that reinstated him has rekindled his confidence in the integrity of the judiciary.

The court of appeal, on Friday, set aside the tribunal verdict that nullified the election of Adeleke as governor of Osun.

The court ruled that Adeleke is the duly elected governor of the state.

In a statement, Adeleke said the appeal court confirmed his earlier position that the judgement of the tribunal was a miscarriage of justice.

“I am particularly glad that the Court of Appeal has ruled that the Bimodal Voter Authentication System (BVAS) machine and voters register are the primary sources, not the report from the server,” he said

“This has strengthened our democracy and removed a time bomb which the judgement of the Tribunal had planted for our democracy.

“I appreciate Osun people for standing by me and my party through repeated validation of my governorship mandate at the recent general election.

“My party won three straight elections from July 16, 2022, to March 18, 2023.

“It was a resounding vote of confidence in my governorship by the people of Osun state. The judiciary has now confirmed the will of the people that I am the validly elected Governor of my state.

“Rule of law is strengthened when judgement affirms the will of the people. On behalf of the Osun people and my party, the PDP, we appreciate the judiciary and the men of conscience on the bar and the bench.”

Adeleke also appreciated the civil servants, artisans, market people, clerics, students, women and youths for defending the mandate from 2022 till date.

He called on the opposition to forgo party politics and work with him to take Osun to greater heights.

“Let me use this opportunity to extend sincere hands of fellowship to former Governor Oyetola and the APC,” he said.

“Let’s build the state together. Let’s unite for the good of our people. The state needs leaders across party lines to join hands for robust and accelerated development of the state.

“As brothers and sisters, we are all requested to start the process of healing. Forget party politics as election is over. All members of the political class in Osun state should join hands with me to take our state to a greater height.”