Election Tribunal: Adedibu knows fate Monday

09.03.2008

The Oyo State Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Ibadan, will on Monday deliver judgment on in the petition against the election of Sen. Kamarudeen Adedibu (PDP) for Oyo South Senatorial District.

Mr Oluseyi Makinde, the ANPP candidate in the April 21, 2007, National Assembly election, is challenging INEC's declaration of Adedibu as the winner of the poll.

Adedibu is the eldest son of Chief Lamidi Adedibu, regarded as the "Strongman of Ibadan Politics''.

The Tribunal Secretary, Mr. Godwin Agbo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Justice Tani Hassan-Yusuf-led tribunal had fixed Monday, March 10, as the date for judgment in the matter.

The ANPP candidate is challenging the victory of Adedibu on grounds of alleged electoral irregularities, including ballot box snatching, ballot stuffing and non-compliance with the 2006 Electoral Act.

The petitioner also alleged that his opponent used thugs to disrupt voting in some local government areas in the district and prevented his supporters from voting.

Adedibu argued that the election was free, fair and peaceful and urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition.