Adedibu’s son wins at tribunal - Says ‘my father has no hand in it’

From Dolapo Ekanade and Soji-Eze-Fagbemi - 11.03.2008

Supporters of Senator Kamorudeen Adedibu, son of Ibadan politician, Chief Lamidi Adedibu, went into a frenzy of celebration on Monday in Ibadan when the election petition tribunal dismissed a petition filed against him by the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) candidate in the senatorial election, Mr. Oluseyi Makinde.

The judgment read by Justice P. O Nnadi dismissed the petition as lacking in merit and upheld the election of Adedibu as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the senatorial election held on April 21, 2007.

According to the tribunal, the petitioner failed to prove criminal allegations made by it him his statement of pleading which include electoral malpractice, over-voting, bribery of INEC officials, intimidation and assault by members of the National Union of Road Transport workers (NURTW) and other political thugs, beyond reasonable doubt.

The tribunal further held that allegations of electoral malpractice alleged in three out of the nine local government areas in Oyo South senatorial district were not demonstrated by the petitioner, who it said failed to call relevant INEC officials to defend themselves.

The tribunal said this contravened the rule of fair hearing as enshrined in the constitution.

Reacting to the verdict, Senator Adedibu declared that his father has no hand in his victory at the tribunal.

Senator Adedibu, who was spoke with journalists in Abuja on the verdict of the tribunal that upheld his election, said God, rather than his father, made it possible.

He pointed out that Chief Adedibu had nothing to do with his victory, adding that he was the happiest person, following the ruling.