The Federal Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, the Ondo state capital western Nigeria on Friday threw out the Appeal filed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Osun state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Toyin Akeju over the judgment of a Federal High court in Osogbo in February 2011 which ruled that Akeju should not be allowed to conduct election in the state.
The Federal High Court, Osogbo had held that Akeju was not fit to conduct election in the state following his loyalty to the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu.
The court also based its ruling on the activities of Akeju and his connection with sole leaders of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) now APC.
The friday’s judgement was unanimously delivered by Justice M.I sheila, Justice Lokular Shodipo, Justice Ariyibi, Justice F.A Akinbami and Justice B. M Ugor.
The court in its ruling nullified all the elections conducted by Akeju in Osun State in 2011 and ordered that fresh elections are expected into the all House of Assembly, Senatorial and Federal House of Representatives seats in Osun state.
It can be recalled that The PDP in Osun State had contested the propriety of Akeju, a former Personal Assistant to APC National leader, Senator Bola Tinubu conducting the Osun State elections as INEC REC and had secured a Court Injunction restraining Akeju from conducting the election.
The Electoral body contrary to court ruling allowed Akeju to conduct 2011 general elections as Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner.
Also INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega ordered Akeju to proceed on leave to allow other REC to oversee the August 9 governorship election won by Rauf Aregbesola of All Progressives Congress.
Meanwhile, the state chapter of the PDP has hailed the court judgment, describing it as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.
The party in a statement by its Director of Publicity, Prince Diran Odeyemi said the judgment would go a long way to redefine the future of the state.
SOURCE: http://thecallng.com/2014/10/appeal-court-nullifies-2011-elections-in-osun/
