The governor of Oyo State, has urged residents to remain calm over the ruling of the Appeal Court on Monday.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had declared Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the 2019 governorship election, but Adebayo Adelabu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), challenged the victory at the tribunal.
Adelabu had asked the tribunal to annul Makinde’s victory, and order a fresh election.
However, the panel struck out his appeal and affirmed the governor’s victory.
Adelabu approached the appellate court, which on Monday, ruled that Makinde did not secure majority of lawful votes in the election.
The court held that the exercise was marred by over-voting and thus, failure to comply with the provision of electoral act.
But the court neither asked the governor to vacate office, nor call for a fresh poll.
The ruling sparked jubilation in Adelabu’s camp, leading to reports that he had been declared winner of the election.
Responding in a statement, Makinde accused the opposition of misleading the public, saying the mandate was given to him by the people of the state.
“It is pre mature for anyone to wish that a landslide victory can just be upturned. Although, they may wish that such happens, but it won’t ever happen. The mandate was freely given to him by the good people of Oyo State,” he said in a statement.
“There is really nothing to worry about because, all they, the opposition are planning is already in the public… the judiciary is credible and won’t allow itself to be used against the will of the Oyo State.
“I urge you all to go about your normal businesses, we won’t be distracted in our quest to make Oyo State, a model State where good governance and leadership will be the order of the day.”
