The chairman of the three-man panel, Justice A. G. Kwajaffa, who read the judgment in Osogbo on Friday held that the petitioner failed to prove the allegations of corrupt practices and non-compliance with the Electoral Act before the court. The petitioner, who was represented by his counsel, Mr. Nathaniel Oke (SAN) had filed a petition before the tribunal asking the panel to nullify Ajayi’s victory and declare him the lawful winter of the poll. He alleged that the election was characterised by widespread violence, corrupt practices and non compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act. Ajayi, who was represented in court by the immediate past Attorney General of Osun State, Mr. Wale Afolabi, as well as then counsel for the All Progressives Congress, Ibrahim Lawal as well as counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission, Olorunfemi Olalekan prayed the ribunal to dismisses the case because it lacked merit. Having examined the evidence tendered and carried out evaluation of the witnesses testimonies, the panel unanimously held that the petitioners failed to prove the allegations raised in the petition. Kwajaffa said, ” The petition is accordingly dismissed.” While the respondents’ counsels hailed the verdict, describing it as a well researched and delivered, the counsel for the PDP, Mr. Henry Odunayo, said his client “will explore the next line of action within the ambit of the law.” The candidate in a statement made available to our correspondent said he would appeal the verdict which he described as shocking.]]>