The governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during last month’s gubernatorial election in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, has urged the National Assembly to amend the electoral act to ensure a transparent electoral process.
Ajayi, who lost the election to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), maintained that the use of the Bimodal Voter Authentication System (BVAS) is prone to manipulation, hence the reason to reevaluate its usage ahead of future elections.
According to the PDP standard-bearer, who hinted that the party’s legal team is set to approach the election petition tribunal, a series of alarms were raised over the inability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a credible poll.
While addressing newsmen during a press briefing over the outcome of the election held three weeks ago, Ajayi, however, stated that the electorate did not trade their minds and votes but stressed that what was witnessed at the poll was a miscarriage of democracy on the part of the electoral body.
He said, “Since the election, our party has refrained from making public comments to allow time for a comprehensive review of the events that transpired on election day. After careful analysis, we have come to express our gratitude to the people of Ondo State for their confidence in us and the maturity they displayed during the elections, despite provocations.
“We want to address certain misconceptions and allegations made against the electorate. There were accusations that our people sold their votes or were compromised. Let it be clear that the will of the people was not for sale. The sadness and disappointment witnessed after the election reflect their discontent with the outcome, which, we believe, was a miscarriage of democracy orchestrated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Despite our previous warnings and even legal action to ensure neutrality within INEC, the institution, unfortunately, failed to act impartially. The election results, as declared, do not reflect the aspirations of the people of Ondo State. The declaration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the winner by INEC was met with widespread dissatisfaction, as evident in the sombre mood that followed.
“Our party has taken the lawful step of filing a petition at the electoral tribunal. While we will refrain from discussing the case in detail, I assure you that we remain committed to pursuing justice. Our people are educated, resilient, and determined to see democracy upheld.”
Meanwhile, Ajayi expressed confidence in the judiciary, emphasising that the party is optimistic that the tribunal will fairly adjudicate the case, adding that the judiciary remains a critical institution in preserving democracy, and urging it to rise to the challenge.
“I would like to express gratitude to our supporters, both within and outside Ondo State, as well as our national leaders and allies. Your support has been invaluable.
“Ondo State deserves leaders chosen freely and fairly by the people. We are determined to restore the integrity of our democracy and ensure the people’s mandate is upheld.
Thank you, and may God bless Ondo State and Nigeria.
“Regarding the judgement of the Federal High Court, the matter was initially filed in Abuja before being transferred to our local jurisdiction. This is a standard judicial process. When a judge delivers a ruling, the next step is to determine how to respond, and we accept this as part of the judicial system.
“Whether we decide to appeal the judgement or not is a decision for our leadership. We have confidence in the judiciary as the final arbiter in the structure of government. Despite any challenges, we firmly believe in the system and will continue to engage it in a manner that upholds the values of civility and due process.”
