The People’s Democratic Party (PDP)’s governorship candidate in the August 9, 2014 election, Iyiola Omisore, on Sunday, expressed his resolve to seek redress at the Court of Appeal, following the victory of Gov. Rauf Aregbesola at the election tribunal last Friday.
Omisore had petitioned the tribunal to challenge the result of the election in 17 local government areas, but his petition was dismissed on Friday for lack of evidence through the tribunal’s verdict, while Aregbesola’s victory was upheld.
But, in a personally signed press statement, made available to newsmen on Sunday, he maintained that regardless of the tribunal’s judgment, which revalidated All Progressives Congress (APC)’s victory, his faith in the sanctity and integrity of the judiciary remains unshaken. He would therefore proceed to the Court of Appeal.
“As earlier mentioned by our lawyers, we are proceeding to the Court of Appeal and we have total faith in the higher court to dispense justice in the matter.”
“Despite my disavowal of the said judgement, I have taken it in good faith since other avenues of seeking redress are open and being explored. Contrary to the lies being peddled by elements of the ruling party in Osun State, I hold the judiciary in high esteem and trust in its ability to dispense justice.”
“Let me expressly state my abiding faith in the Nigerian judiciary to do justice at all time without fear or favour and the pronouncement of the tribunal though against us, has not shaken that belief, and would not, even if there were no higher courts to review the tribunal’s judgement.”
“The preceding political activities of the ruling party in the state hours before the judgement, which went in tandem with the party elements’ prediction, necessitated the call on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to take another look into the bewildering scenario which was now being interpreted by our opponents as a call for the probe of the judges.”
He urged PDP members, as well as his supporters to remain calm, noting that “two layers of appeal are still available unto us, which we are currently exploring.”