The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday disclosed that no fewer than seventeen petitions filled against the commission are before the election tribunal in Oyo State.
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Barrister Mutiu Agboke, made this disclosure during the presentation of certificates of return to the Governor-elect, Engineer Seyi Makinde, deputy Governor-elect, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan and 32 members-elect in the state House of Assembly.
Makinde and Olaniyan, who contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won the gubernatorial election held on Saturday, March 9.
At the presentation of the certificates were the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Oyo, Osun and Ekiti, Prince Solomon Adedeji Soyebi, Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Barrister Mutiu Agboke, security chiefs.
Others were Senator representing Oyo Central district, Monsurat Sunmonu, Alhaja Modinat Adedibu, former Minister of state, Elder Wole Oyelese and several others.
Agboke, while speaking said that the 17 petitions filled against the commission, arised from the general elections in 2019.
He said, “Presently, arising from the general elections in this state, we have a total of 17 petitions before the Oyo state election petition tribunal.
“The breakdown is four, senatorial and 13 House of Representatives petitions. Filling and hearing of election petitions fall into post-election activities as aggrieved candidates are given the opportunity of presenting their grievances before the judiciary.
“After each general election, it is customary with the commission to organise retreats, workshops and seminars involving all relevant stakeholders in order to conduct wholistic review of the election and proffer necessary amendments and corrections where necessary. In the course of these interactions, reports from both domestic and foreign observers missions/groups would be critically analysed and thoroughly considered.
“The commission, in collaboration with all the strategic stakeholders will continue to improve on the electoral process in order to further consolidate our democracy. No stone shall be left unturned in our journey to being the flagship among the election management bodies in Africa.
“Lest I conclude this address, on behalf of the entire staff of INEC Oyo state, let me express very hearty congratulations to the Excellences, the Governor-elect, the deputy Governor-elect and the 32 honourable members of the Oyo state House of Assembly. We wish you a very successful, positive and impactful tenure as you take the leadership responsibility of Oyo state.”
